Davis: Rangers must keep star

STEVEN DAVIS has urged Rangers to do all they can to ensure Kris Boyd remains at Ibrox beyond the January transfer window.

Striker Boyd has yet to agree a new deal with the Scottish champions and has thrust himself firmly into the spotlight after replacing Henrik Larsson as the all-time top goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League.

He netted five goals against Dundee United on Wednesday to write his name into the history books and Davis is well aware there will plenty more admiring glances in Boyd’s direction in the month ahead.

Only a failure to agree personal terms this time last year saw a move to Birmingham collapse and he has been linked with Newcastle, Trabzonspor and Kayserspor in Turkey and French club Sochaux since.

Rangers fans have already made it clear they want the prolific hitman to remain at Ibrox and midfielder Davis has revealed everyone in the dressing room feels the same.

“From the players’ point of view we think it’s vital that we keep hold of him,” he said.

“I don’t think there are many players who can guarantee you 20 goals-plus a season and Boydy’s done that since I’ve been here. I think he’s probably one of the most lethal finishers around and obviously we’re desperate to keep him here.”

Davis watched Boyd almost single-handedly crush United as Rangers romped to a 7-1 win and summed up the striker in one word.

“Phenomenal,” he said.

Boyd has been criticised in the past for not scoring in the “big games” but will have a chance to answer his detractors in this weekend’s Old Firm derby.

Boyd has netted just one goal against Celtic in his career so far but Davis added: “The way he’s playing, if we can create the chances for him then nine times out of 10 he’ll score.”

If Boyd does impress at Parkhead tomorrow, he will have to do it without strike partner Kenny Miller, who has lost his appeal against a straight red card in Wednesday’s big win.

“Kenny’s been playing magnificently for us and he’s been one of our best players on the run we’ve been on and managed to get amongst the goals as well,” said Davis.

“So he’ll be a big miss for us. It gives the manager a little headache.

“Somebody else will come in and hopefully do a job for us.”