PHIL Bardsley remains the master of his own destiny despite Paul Le Guen banishing the defender from the Rangers squad to take on Livorno in UEFA Cup Group A tonight.

The on-loan right back from Manchester United did not travel with his team-mates to Tuscany after being sent off the training pitch on Tuesday afternoon forwhat is understood to have been an angry challenge on Thomas Buffel.

The Belgian midfielder distanced himself from the controversy yesterday but it has been reported that Bardsley returned to training furious after being told he would be dropped in favour of Alan Hutton for the European tie. Le Guen denied this version of events but, regardless of the detail, Bardsley's future at Ibrox is in doubt.

The Rangers manager insists the 21-year-old still has a shortterm future at the club, yet Le Guen delivered the message with a heavy implication that a change in attitude and an unreserved apology are prerequisites for a return to favour. Doubtless a similar stance will have been taken at Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson, who sanctioned the Frenchman's loan requests for Bardsley and Lee Martin.

"We will see what happens next. It depends more on him. What was said is between us. I know what happened and the decision I made is what I think is the best for the squad, " said Le Guen tersely last night before training in the Armando Picchi stadium.

"He is not selected for the game and was not involved with the 18 who travelled. He was sent back from the training session and sent off the field but he is still part of the team. I decided to send him off and it was my decision. I am the boss. I did what I thought was the best for the team.

"There was not a fight between players, I just decided to send him off. I do what I think is the best for my team. It's my responsibility to take such a decision. The spirit in the squad is good and we trained well today."

Buffel said: "I have no problem at all with Phil Bardsley. It was a decision made by the manager and that is everything a player has to respect. I didn't see the tackle [coming] and there was no problem."

It was impossible not to feel for Le Guen last night. He willingly endured a barrage of questions on the latest misdemeanour but remained composed and, more astonishingly under the circumstances, civil throughout the interrogation.

Bardsley's misbehaviour has done little to dispel rumours of discord in the Rangers dressing room. Le Guen, it seems, is being punished for his unyielding principles. Fernando Ricksen was sent to Russia for his drunken antics on the pre-season flight to South Africa and his replacement has now shown an impetuous streak. Moreover, Allan McGregor is unhappy at being dislodged from the goalkeeping beat, especially since Lionel Letizi returned to gift Inverness Caledonian Thistle victory at Ibrox on Saturday.

The manager reiterated his faith in Letizi, who will remain between the posts tonight.

For all the drama engulfing him, Le Guen was emphatic in stating his desire to stay for the long haul, despite suggestions he may opt to preserve his reputation if results continue to disappoint a now sceptical support. Having known only success in France, such aggressive reaction to his weekly woes are a new experience he is keen to end.

"My aim is to get results for Rangers. I know the fans expect better and I am totally aware of the frustration - I used to be a fan, too, " he said. "I understand the reaction. I am not a newcomer, I have done this job for seven years. At Rangers, I have been under pressure since the day I signed.

"In France, there can be aggression too. I am not used to it but I will handle it. It is a great challenge and I am happy to be here.

"I feel the players are ready. I want them to fight for the club and if they can play for me too, it is a bonus. We would like a good period now. For me, it has been interesting but it is not a problem for me. It is my job to improve the team."

The problem, as he acknowledged, is in rediscovering the early-season form, preferably tonight against an emerging power in Serie A. Cristiano Lucarelli, top scorer in the scudetto two seasons ago, returned for the 2-0 win against Ascoli and Le Guen accepted the Italians' status as favourites.

"Livorno are the favourites but it does not matter who is the favourite and who is the outsider. I know they did very well recently against Milan. They have a very good striker and many tactical possibilities."