‘Escape’ to Boro for Boyd

07 August 2010 09:40
KRIS BOYD admits that the chance to escape the fierce Old Firm rivalries that ensured he couldn't walk the streets of Glasgow without risk of being abused was a motivating factor behind his move from Rangers to Middlesbrough.[LNB] But today's visit of Roy Keane's Ipswich Town offers an early reminder to the Scottish Premier League's alltime leading goalscorer that his time in England will be punctuated by regular visits from the ghosts of his past.[LNB] Keane, a boyhood Celtic fan and Republic of Ireland legend, only spent half a season playing in a Hoops shirt, but victory over Rangers en route to that year's league title meant that his brief spell north of the border left him reviled and adored by Glasgow's rival factions.[LNB] Boyd speaks with bitterness when he recalls that season's 1-0 defeat at Ibrox but he has nothing but respect for the man plotting to deny Boro an opening-day victory.[LNB] When you look at what he (Keane) has done as a player he's one of the greatest players to ever play in England,[LNB] said Boyd.[LNB] It's not about getting one over on him because of Rangers-Celtic, I don't look at it like that. It's about Middlesbrough and Ipswich; he wants to win the game for his club and I want to for mine.[LNB] Rangers-Celtic is in the past and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.[LNB] At Rangers, I stayed away from Glasgow most of the time. It wasn't like I was in the limelight. There wasn't anywhere you could really go to get peace in Scotland.[LNB] Hopefully, my family will soon settle in. It's nice that you're not getting called names every time you walk down the street, he said.[LNB] With former Celtic favourites such as Barry Robson, Scott McDonald and Stephen McManus now his team-mates, Boyd has rapidly dispelled any lingering Old Firm rivalries to focus on a new cause, securing promotion to the Premier League.[LNB] The striker believes that Gordon Strachan's leadership could be crucial.[LNB] He was a big factor in me coming here. He did some great work up the road. The manager showed faith in me and wanted me here and it was important to come here and play regular football.[LNB] I'm delighted to be here working under a manager like Gordon. There's a healthy respect there.[LNB] I've enjoyed his management so far. He likes to take a lot of training and get involved.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo