Algerians in Europe 2007-2008

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August 11, 2007 -- Two goals from Rafik Saifi helped Lorient claim their first three points of the new Ligue 1 season with a narrow 2-1 victory over Monaco at Le Moustoir.

Christian Gourcuff's side maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign in impressive fashion, but rode their luck in the closing stages as the visitors came close to rescuing a point after Serge Gakpe had pulled one back.

Monaco, meanwhile, will be extremely disappointed with their start to the new term and remain without a win from their opening two games.

Lorient captain Fabrice Abriel should have put the hosts ahead after only nine minutes but his effort flew high over the crossbar after he was put through by Saifi.

However, Lorient did not have to wait long for the opener as Marama Vahirua crossed the ball for Saifi to convert in exquisite fashion.

The Algerian doubled his tally 16 minutes later with a well-taken effort after Vahirua had initially failed to bring the ball under control.

Monaco upped the tempo after the break as they went in search of a way back into the game.

And they got their reward in the 66th minute when substitute Gakpe won a tussle with Lorient defender Michael Ciani before firing past Flavio Roma to reduce the deficit.

Jan Koller almost drew the visitors back on level terms with nine minutes remaining, but his effort was deflected agonisingly wide by Ciani.

Koller had another chance to level the tie in injury time but he could only drag his shot off target from the edge of the penalty area.

Two goals from Rafik Saifi secure victory for Lorient

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August 13, 2007 -- .....Algerian Mohamed Fadel Brahami gave his side Mons-Bergen the lead in the 52nd minute from a free-kick but his side eventually drew 1-1 with Mechelen.

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Middlesbrough 2 Fulham 1

August 18, 2007 -- .....To compound Fulham's woes, winger Hameur Bouazza was taken to hospital in the same ambulance as McBride after suffering a dislocated right shoulder.....

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August 24, 2007 -- St Johnstone are believed to be chasing the signature of former Dundee United midfielder Karim Kerkar after securing Celtic right-back Gary Irvine.

The First Division club are seeking international clearance for the 30-year-old, who has been in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Wahda.

Irvine, 22, has signed a two-year contract and could make his debut against Clyde on Saturday.

Saints boss Owen Coyle said: "I've been an admirer of his for some time."

The addition of Irvine will compensate for the loss of St Johnstone's captain to injury.

Kevin James will undergo an exploratory operation on Monday into his troubled knee injury.

"He's been a long time at Celtic, but I know he feels that it is time to get his career going," Coyle said of Irvine on the club website.

"You sometimes have to take a step back to take two forward and there is no reason why Gary cannot go on to have a terrific career in football starting with what he can do for Saints for the next two years."

French-born Kerkar, who has seven caps for Algeria, started his career with Gueugnon before spending three years with Le Havre.

Following a short spell with Manchester City in 2002, he moved to Qatar club Al-Siliya.

Kerkar spent a month with First Division outfit Clyde in 2004, won a short-term move to Dundee United but then headed to Dubai.

St Johnstone chasing Kerkar signature

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August 25, 2007 -- .....Lorient rallied twice to tie Bordeaux 2-2 and grab second place.

David Bellion put Bordeaux ahead, tapping in a cross from Alonso in the 11th. But Algerian midfielder Rafik Saifi equalized for Lorient with a low drive in the 15th, before Bellion added his second from close range in the 68th. Tunisian forward Hamed Namouchi saved a point for his team with a late equalizer in stoppage time.

Lorient goalkeeper Fabien Audard stopped a penalty kick from David Bellion in the 65th after Wendel was fouled in the area.....

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St Johnstone chasing Kerkar signature

Kerkar rejects St Johnstone move

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PARIS, August 28, 2007 (Reuters) - Valenciennes ended the surprise run of Brittany side Lorient by winning 3-1 there on Tuesday to move into second in Ligue 1.

The northerners have 13 points from six games, just like Nancy who have played one match less and top the standings on goal difference.

Lorient, who had gone five matches without defeat, dropped a spot to third, two points off the pace.

Valenciennes were leading 2-0 courtesy of two headed goals from forward Gregory Pujol when Lorient defender and captain Sylvain Marchal reduced the arrears for the home side shortly before the break, also with a header.

Lorient wasted a great chance to move level when Algeria midfielder Rafik Saifi missed a penalty with 14 minutes left.

Midfielder Sebastien Roudet then sealed the visitors' win with another headed goal shortly before time.