Source: Team_Talk
Smith: Boyd goal was worth the wait
Rangers boss Walter Smith was thrilled to see Kris Boyd end his goal drought and finally claim his 100th SPL goal for the Scottish champions.[LNB] The striker netted with just two minutes on the clock against Dundee United to set Rangers on their way to a 2-1 victory at Tannadice on Saturday.[LNB]The strike had been a long time coming for the club's top goalscorer, who had been waiting since the win over Hibernian back in February to find the back of the net in the SPL and reach the milestone.[LNB]"He has been waiting for a while to get that one and it was a terrific goal too so we are delighted for him," said Smith.[LNB]Boyd was one of seven players drafted into the side after last week's title triumph and Smith admits his team will have a more familiar look for the final Old Firm derby of the season, confirming: "We will change the team around again for Tuesday's game."[LNB]Kevin Thomson should also be back in contention for the visit to Celtic Park after being withdrawn with a head knock sustained in a collision with Garry Kenneth.[LNB]"He took a knock on the ear but he will be okay for Tuesday's game as there is no concussion," said Smith.[LNB]Several fringe players were given their chance to impress and Smith had no complaints about their efforts, with Nacho Novo also on the scoresheet before Damian Casalinuovo pulled a goal back for the home side.[LNB]"We've got to be pleased," said the Rangers boss.[LNB]"Both sides made changes but it was a good game, a competitive game, for this stage of the season, and I was really pleased with the way the majority of our boys played.[LNB]"I was delighted to keep the momentum going and I thought we played very well in the game. In the first half hour especially we created a number of opportunities and managed to get ourselves in front.[LNB]"We are delighted with the way the boys played today, they showed a terrific attitude. Dundee United pushed us back a little later on in the game and we had to handle that and did so."[LNB]With third spot in the SPL already secured and no chance of catching Celtic for second place, United boss Peter Houston also made mass changes.[LNB]"I think we learned a lot of things from the game but, to be honest, I didn't think we deserved anything out of the game today but I was pleased with our second-half performance," he said.[LNB]Houston is now looking ahead to their Active Nation Scottish Cup final against Ross County later this month.[LNB]He added: "We can't go any higher or lower in the league so my thoughts are building towards that game.[LNB]"What really pleased me today is that I was able to rest Swanson, Conway, Daly, Goodwillie and Webster for the cup final, who are massive players for us."[LNB]However, the Tangerines were dealt a blow with the news that Danny Cadamarteri has a suspected dislocated shoulder after being forced out of the action early on.[LNB]
