Charlton manager Alan Pardew admitted that West Bromwich Albion had been gazumped by Glasgow Rangers in snatching central defender Madjid Bougherra at the 11th hour.

The 25-year-old Algerian international was poised to join Albion until Rangers made a last minute swoop to snatch him away in a £2.5million deal on Thursday.

Rangers' late intervention means that Charlton get their money back for a player who cost £2.5million when he moved to The Valley from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2007.

Pardew said: "He was going to West Brom but Rangers came in at the very last minute. They paid a price for coming in so late because the fee went up."

Pardew assured supporters that his priority was to get players in and said: "We have to progress and the bottom line is that we're short. The board are working with me to get players in who can improve us.

"Whether I make those signings before the league season starts remains to be seen. But there will be no panic buys."

Medway youngster Rob Elliot will put pressure on first choice goalkeeper Nicky Weaver after being named in the starting line-up for Saturday's only home game against Athletic Bilbao.

The 22-year-old from Newington, who enjoyed an outstanding league debut at Plymouth last season, plays as Weaver is troubled by a knee strain that could keep him out against Swansea on Saturday week.