Kris Boyd in line for Kilmarnock return

Kris Boyd has been linked with a return to Kilmarnock. Picture: SNS

Talks between interim Rugby Park boss Gary Locke and chairman Michael Johnston are believed to be at an advanced stage, with the former Hearts defender expected to be formally installed as Killie boss later this week.

And he could be joined by the former Kilmarnock favourite, with Locke said to be keen on bringing Boyd back to Ayrshire as part of a new-look management team.

Boyd has been left out of the Rangers squad for the past two weeks, with Locke reportedly trying to convince him a return to Rugby Park with a coaching role tacked on is his best option.

The former Kilmarnock, Portland Timbers and Middlesbrough striker’s contract at Rangers is up in May - but Stuart McCall has insisted the 31-year-old still has a part to play at Ibrox.

McCall told The Scotsman: “If I’m not starting with either Kris or Jon Daly, I don’t feel that I need both of them on the bench.

“Obviously Kris played in my first game and Jon came on against Alloa and made an impact, so it would be difficult to leave Jon out at the moment.

“There’s not been a problem with Kris. His attitude since I’ve come in the door has been first-class. He trains as hard as he can, and he’ll continue to do that because that’s the type of person he is.

“I’ve explained it to him. He’s fully committed to everything we are trying to do here. If I’d played Daly with Kenny Miller [against Cowdenbeath], then Boyd would have been on the bench.”

Since joining Rangers in time for the start of the 2014/15 season, Boyd has netted just three goals - a far cry from the 101 goals in 132 games during his first Ibrox stint, and the 25 in 44 for the Rugby Park outfit last season.

Dundee United have also been linked with the former Scotland striker but the Daily Record are reporting that Locke will try and lure Boyd back to Rugby Park as soon as his own future is sorted out.