One Of The Best

[ian1964 10,707]

By Andrew Dickson

 

WALTER SMITH has admitted to his surprise that Kris Boyd was not named on the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award this week.

 

Kris Boyd scores against MotherwellThe striker will go for his 100th goal in Rangers colours on Sunday when the team travels to play Hibernian at Easter Road.

 

Currently sitting on 99 for the club, Boyd struck 28 of those this season to guarantee himself his best-ever season with the club.

 

He has been in excellent form recently, adding a touch of intelligence to his undoubted prowess in and around the penalty area.

 

For that reason, Smith feels Boyd should have been on the list of nominees that was comprised instead of Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis, Gary Caldwell and Scott Brown.

 

He said: "I was a wee bit surprised he wasn't on the list. When you're so far ahead as the leading goalscorer in the country, a nomination would be in order but there you are.

 

"The players that have been nominated have had good seasons too but it comes down to people's choices.

 

Steven Whittaker and Ian Murray"I would have felt that if you're so far ahead in the scoring stakes, as Kris is, you would at least warrant selection."

 

Smith knows Boyd won't have it easy this weekend against a Hibs side still looking to claim a top-six spot in the final SPL standings.

 

Mixu Paatelainen's men have been in better form recently, going unbeaten in six outings and winning two of those against Hearts and Hamilton.

 

They'll probably feel they're due a win against Rangers too, having failed to beat them in any of their last seven home clashes with the Ibrox team.

 

Smith added: "I think with Motherwell and Hibs fighting it out for sixth place in the league, both teams will be pushing hard.

 

"They have had similar types of seasons and Motherwell, after an excellent year last time, had a struggle at the start.

 

"They've got back up again and the same applies to Hibs. They stuttered earlier but have picked up again and they'll want to finish off in the top half.

 

Barry Ferguson and Sol Bamba"We always face a difficult game when we go to Easter Road and the fight for sixth position will make it a bit tougher for us."

 

Smith, meanwhile, hinted neither Allan McGregor or Barry Ferguson would have a part to play in Edinburgh after their enforced absences from the club.

 

While their two-week suspensions are over, they trained at Murray Park for the first time today since March 20 and that's too big a gap for the manager to be comfortable with.

 

He said: "After being out for three weeks, having not played in the second international game, they'll need a few days of training.

 

"There isn't a major problem with their fitness there but they need a little top-up having been out."