Hughes upset by loss of Bamba

Hibernian manager John Hughes has revealed he would be "a very, very angry man" if Barclays Premier League teams are given permission to field their Ivory Coast stars on Monday after being told Sol Bamba cannot play in Sunday's clash with Rangers.

Defender Bamba has been ordered to link up with his country's African Nations Cup squad on the day of Hibs' game against the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions.

Easter Road boss Hughes is disappointed the Ivory Coast would not agree to give the 24-year-old an extra 24 hours grace but accepts FIFA's 14-day release rule for the tournament which starts on January 10.

However, he will be keeping a close eye on Monday's English top-flight games involving Chelsea, Manchester City and Portsmouth - as well as Arsenal's game on Sunday - to ensure there are no double-standards when it comes to the likes of Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Aruna Dindane and Emmanuel Eboue.

"If the Ivory Coast says everybody's to meet up on the 27th, fantastic," said Hughes.

"But I'd be a very, very angry man if Sol went out on the 27th and I watched the English Premier League and there are one or two players playing on the Monday who represent to Ivory Coast."

He added: "There cannot be one rule for one and other rules for others.

"As long as it's right across the board, fair enough."