Boyd ends speculation by joining Strachan at Riverside

KRIS Boyd has ended months of speculation over his future by joining former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old confirmed plans to quit Rangers at the end of last season. He was linked with several clubs south of the border, as well as a lucrative switch to Turkey. But the striker expects a two-year deal with Boro to be completed imminently. He said: "I'm delighted to finally have my future sorted out.

"I've had a few offers to consider and it's been a case of talking to my family about the positives and negatives of each one.

"Middlesbrough have always been very appealing. Strachan has big plans and has made me feel wanted.

"I first met him in January and he impressed me at that meeting.

"Everything has just about been agreed and I will go through my medical today or tomorrow. I'm looking forward to starting my Boro career."

Former Rangers striker John MacDonald insists Boyd is not moving down a level by quitting the Scottish champions for Middlesbrough.

But he believes the Ibrox faithful will regard Boyd's potential switch to the Riverside as a backwards step following four-and-a-half successful years in Glasgow.

MacDonald said: "He has done a lot at Rangers. I don't think anyone could complain about the goals he has scored for Rangers and he has been brilliant for them.

"Rangers fans are going to think it's a step back to leave Rangers for the likes of Middlesbrough.

"But the Championship seems to be a very hard league now. It's so competitive and there is big money down there. The top teams there are paying big bucks to get the players that will get them into the Premier League.

"He will already know a few of the boys at Middlesbrough and will feel quite at home there and settle in easier."