Rangers: Kris Boyd can still lead line

Kris Boyd, centre, has been backed by Rangers manager Kenny McDowall. Picture: SNS

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RANGERS boss Kenny McDowall insists Kris Boyd can still be the man who fires the Light Blues to promotion.

The former Scotland striker admitted last week that his second Ibrox stint had been a “failure”.

Boyd is Gers’ joint top scorer with 10 goals but just three have come in Scottish Championship action and the 31-year-old has looked nothing like the player who blasted 22 goals in the top flight for Kilmarnock just a year ago.

But McDowall believes the hitman can still rediscover his lethal touch around the penalty box and provide the goals that secure Rangers’ Premiership return.

Asked if Boyd - out of contract in the summer - still had a part to play for the Glasgow giants this term in light of his startling admission, the caretaker manager said: “Absolutely. Everybody in that squad does. There is still a lot of football to be played.

“Kris has been frustrated and it’s big of him to come out and say that about himself.

“But he knows there are still games to be played. If there is anyone capable of getting goals in the pressure situation of the run it, it’s Kris Boyd.”

Rangers take on Cowdenbeath on Saturday but given their chronic lack of confidence, there is little chance of them repeating League leaders Heart’s astonishing 10-0 win over the Fifers last week.

And McDowall fears that result could even make life harder for his men.

“It’ll be a tough game”, he said. “It’s a difficult venue to go to. I don’t need to highlight what happened to them last week but I know Jimmy Nicholl very well and I know he’ll be hurting. That makes it a dangerous game in itself.

“It’s an away game, they can be tricky and the pitch is not the best but we just have to get on with it and make sure we get the three points.”

Meanwhile, Cammy Bell made his return to action following six months out with shoulder problems when he turned out for Gers Under-20 side against Inverness at Murray Park on Tuesday.

The keeper even managed to save a penalty as the Light Blues youngsters 1-0 win.

But McDowall warned Bell will not be rushed back into his first team, saying: “Cammy’s doing extremely well but we’re being cautious with it. We want to make sure he’s 100 percent fit. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper but it’s important we look after him properly.”

Rangers: Kris Boyd can still lead line - McDowall