Kris Boyd 'focused on winning league' as speculation mounts over his future

KRIS Boyd has just over three weeks before his Rangers contract effectively runs out but he has two more pressing concerns.

• Dundee United keeper Dusan Pernis denies Kris Boyd during last night's draw. Picture: SNS

The striker, who was today named on the shortlist for the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, is fully focused on securing the championship and netting his elusive 100th Scottish Premier League goal for Rangers.

Boyd has been offered a new deal, but with manager Walter Smith working on a non-contract basis as majority shareholder Sir David Murray looks to sell his holding, his future also remains uncertain.

Birmingham are among several clubs to have made Boyd offers but he has put his decision to one side until Rangers clinch their seemingly-inevitable second consecutive title.

"Everybody knows there have been offers," said the Scotland striker.

"I'll look forward to the next couple of weeks, hopefully we can win the league and I can get my future sorted out in the next wee while.

"I said I would do it in the summer. The most important thing for me at this precise moment in time is to concentrate on winning the league. We have not done that yet.

"That's what is on my mind at this moment and that's what I want to do. I cannot look beyond that."

Boyd refused to expand on the chances of being reunited with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who signed the forward for Rangers and who has been open about his lengthy pursuit of the former Kilmarnock player.

"I've worked for Alex before and I really enjoyed my time with him but, as I've said, the most important thing for me is to concentrate on winning the league for Rangers," added Boyd.

Rangers moved 11 points clear of Celtic last night but their goalless draw at Tannadice failed to guarantee the chance to clinch the title at Ibrox on Sunday against Hearts.

That scenario could still materialise if Celtic fail to beat Hibernian on Saturday, but the likelihood is that Rangers will have to earn a result in one of their subsequent three consecutive away games, against Hibernian, Dundee United or Celtic.

Boyd is one of four contenders for the player of the year prize along with Rangers team-mates Steven Davis, David Weir and Andy Webster, who has spent this season on loan with Dundee United.

"I'm delighted," Boyd said.

"I think it must just be for the first part of the season because the second part I've not turned up."