Source: Team_Talk
Boyd: Cross Kris won't affect Gers
The build-up to the game has been dominated by the former Kilmarnock striker after he was sent home from training on Monday following a dressing down from boss Walter Smith over his attitude at being dropped for Sunday's Homecoming Scottish Cup win over Hamilton.[LNB]The 25-year-old returned to training on Wednesday to apologise to Smith but looks unlikely to start at Hampden for the Light Blues, who are keen to preserve their record of not having suffered defeat in an Old Firm Cup final for 20 years.[LNB]Boyd pointed to a Parkhead spat earlier in the season between boss Gordon Strachan and midfielder Aiden McGeady, which ended with the Republic of Ireland international banned from the first team for two weeks and fined a fortnight's wages, as evidence that players need not be affected by off-field controversies.[LNB]"If Rangers don't win the game you could say the Boyd situation was a factor but you have the example of Aiden McGeady and Gordon Strachan," said Boyd, who played for Celtic between 1992 and 2003.[LNB]"Celtic went to Ibrox, of all places, and got a victory without him.[LNB]"Ultimately the manager is the one who makes these tough decisions, he is doing it for a reason, so that his authority is not undermined in the dressing room.[LNB]"If it means that Kris Boyd has to miss out on a cup final then that has to be the case.[LNB]"If he doesn't start then I'm sure Celtic will be delighted because he gives the team something, he is someone who can come alive inside the box and put the ball in the back of the net.[LNB]"Defenders don't like that, they like to watch players outside the box.[LNB]"But Rangers have other options - Kenny Miller gives you something different with his pace and then there is the stature of Kyle Lafferty, if Walter Smith decides to go with two up in attack."[LNB][LNB]
