Boyd makes Champions League plea

Published on Sunday 28 June 2009 23:14

RANGERS striker Kris Boyd has pleaded with manager Walter Smith to give him a chance in the Champions League next season, claiming he is now mature enough to play at the highest level.

The striker has won every domestic trophy with Rangers, as well as netting more than 100 goals for the Ibrox club. However, he has never started a game in Europe's premier club competition, with Smith overlooking the player in the Champions League.

"I'm the first to admit I had a lot of daftness about me early on in my career," he explained.

"I was young and naive. I tended to follow other people and was influenced by them. But you have to grow up and realise what is right and wrong."

He added: "I've done just about everything I wanted to do in my Rangers career. I have won the title, cups, scored 100 goals and played for Scotland.

"But I haven't started a game in the Champions League and next season I want to be part of it. I want to stamp my authority on that tournament.

"I feel I'm ready and believe I can play at that level. If I'm lining up at Ibrox with that Champions League music on it will confirm I've matured in to the player I need to be.

"It will show I have grown in to the kind of man who can be successful at a club like Rangers. I want to build on that and show I deserve to be there."