Kris Boyd

[Andygers]

Discuss our top goal scorer here.

[ulster21]

is never going to live up to his potential.... a damn shame

[Andygers]

RANGERS legend Mark Hateley has slammed suggestions goal ace Kris Boyd should join Cardiff City in a swap deal involving Bluebirds ace Glenn Loovens.

The Ibrox club’s boss Walter Smith has pinpointed Loovens as the defender he wants most as he looks to turn Rangers into Scottish champions again in the coming 2008-09 campaign.

Rangers have told Cardiff they want Loovens plus £1m if they are to part with Boyd, who Jones made his No1 summer transfer target from the start.

But former England centre forward Hateley says the idea should not even be entertained and Rangers should forget about Boyd coming to Ninian Park.

Hateley said: “There is talk the only way Walter will be able to land Loovens from Cardiff is if he trades in his top scorer to sweeten the deal. But I’m afraid, when it gets to that stage, you have to ask: What the heck is going on?

“Walter is keen to find someone else and I can’t help but think there is something a little too convenient about the fact his top target just happens to play for the very club who have been trying to land his most prolific predator the whole summer.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure Loovens would be a very decent signing. I have heard nothing but good things about the player.

“But if Rangers want him they should just go and take him. Walter shouldn’t have to let go his biggest goal threat just to get a deal done.”

In his column for the Daily Record, Hateley continued: “It sounds strange, but in the end I fear Boyd’s goals are about to cost him his Ibrox career.

“You don’t unearth goalscorers like him too easily and it’s even more of a rarity to find one who can’t get a game for his own team.

“Boyd’s record is nothing short of phenomenal and yet the truth is he’ll most probably be a bit-part player this season if he decides to stick it out at Ibrox.

“Even so, his goals make him a hugely valuable asset and, as a result, he is a fantastic bargaining tool.

“There is no doubt Walter can get by without him. He’s signed three strikers this summer in Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Kyle Lafferty – which means he has eight or nine players fighting for two places up front.

“ So yes, Walter can do without Boyd. But he shouldn’t have to. You simply cannot put a price on the goals Boyd provides and it would be better for the manager to have this option available to him – even if it’s only as an impact player.

“Of course, that might not be good enough for Boyd, but, if I was him, I wouldn’t be looking to throw in the towel just yet.

“He has never won a league title and you don’t want to look back at the end of your career and regret the one that got away. That’s why I’d remain and have another go at it.

“The trouble is, some times these decisions are not yours to make.Things appear to be tight at Ibrox this summer, even the manager can’t get what he wants.”

Meanwhile, Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale is adamant Loovens is going nowhere.

“I expect and hope Glenn will still be a Cardiff player when we are at home to Southampton in the first league match of the season,” he said.

“We want to keep the players we have and supplement the squad with the two strikers our manager wants.

“If any player were to go, it would take an offer at a level enabling us to find an adequate replacement.”

Loovens, who has one year left on his contract, has also attracted interest from Premiership newcomers Hull City and Stoke.

He started next to Roger Johnson in City’s 1-1 draw against Vitoria de Setubal and was his usual competitive and efficient self as he completed the 90 minutes.
I agree with Hateley we need to keep him because he is a scoring machine!

[ulster21]

Boyd is a much worse version of Van Nistelrooy...just hangs around the goal.. but he does well in the SPL.....I say keep him around

[Andygers]

Boyd is a much worse version of Van Nistelrooy...just hangs around the goal.. but he does well in the SPL.....I say keep him around Is there anything wrong with that? Look at his stats, its unbelievable! Do you remember the CIS cup final? He was the only reason we won that.

[ulster21]

Is there anything wrong with that? Look at his stats, its unbelievable! Do you remember the CIS cup final? He was the only reason we won that.

:shocked:......I am agreeing with you, Boyd should stay

[Andygers]

^ No its the part where you said "He just hangs around the box" which I was referring to.