Kris Boyd's welcome return can help unite Scots, says Craig Gordon

Published on Thursday 4 March 2010 22:03

SCOTLAND goalkeeper Craig Gordon hopes the positive reception given to the returning Kris Boyd during their first Hampden friendly victory since 1996 can help the national team put their divisive issues behind them.

The Rangers striker received a rousing welcome when ending his self-imposed international exile during the second half of the 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic. Boyd became the first of four players who were out of the picture when George Burley was in charge to renew his Scotland career under Craig Levein when he replaced Kenny Miller in the 63rd minute.

Lee McCulloch, who like Boyd withdrew his services under Burley, would have joined him in the team had he not been injured while Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor would also have been in the squad but for fitness doubts and off-field distractions.

Levein is also optimistic he will persuade Barry Ferguson, McGregor's partner in the "Boozegate" fiasco, to return next season.

Although there were some dissenters, Gordon believes the appreciation shown to Boyd can help Scotland move on with a united front under Levein. "Hopefully that's it out the way now and we can all focus on pulling in the same direction and heading into these qualifying games all united and trying to get into a finals, which we have not done for such a long time," Gordon said. "I hope that's all over and done with now, he's back in and things will just get back to normal."

Kevin Thomson, Boyd's Rangers team-mate, admitted the reaction had given all the players a lift. "It shows the fans want to move forward," the midfielder said. "Boydy is a top player. He is a great goalscorer, probably the best in the business. For all the players, it was great to see them welcome him with open arms."

The former Kilmarnock striker had the ball in the net after Scott Brown's opener but was flagged offside, and Gordon believes his instinct for goal will prove vital in the Euro 2012 campaign.

"He's always likely to score a goal for however long he is on the pitch," the Sunderland goalkeeper said. "Whether he is coming on as a substitute late on in games, he's always liable to nick a goal.

"I think he is going to be very important for us, he's the top goalscorer in the SPL again this year. There are not many people to touch him in Scotland for goalscoring."