Madjid Bougherra hailed his goal against Stuttgart as the most important of his career, after rescuing a point for Rangers in their Champions League opener.

The defender has admitted the opportunity to play in the tournament was one of the reasons for remaining at Ibrox, despite reported interest from other clubs last season and over the summer.

He made the most of playing on the big stage for the first time with a superb strike to cancel out Pavel Pogrebnyak's opener.

Bougherra said: "I have been here for one year and I have always tried to score a goal like that, to run forward and put the ball in the net. It was beautiful to do it in the Champions League. We got a point because of my goal, so that is fantastic.

"I said before the game I wouldn't change my style and would keep going forward. Okay, you have to change bits of your mentality for different games - but I have the belief in myself that I can attack and help the team.

"It's just a fantastic feeling, and at the moment I have to say it is the most important goal I have scored in my career. This was a huge result that gives us a lot of confidence."