Source: Team_Talk
Naismith backs Boyd to impress
Steven Naismith believes Kris Boyd has rediscovered his goalscoring form at the right time ahead of Tuesday's Old Firm clash against Celtic.[LNB] Boyd finally claimed his 100th Scottish Premier League goal for Rangers on Saturday when he grabbed the opener in a 2-1 win at Dundee United.[LNB]The century was a long time coming for the striker who had failed to find the back of the net in league competition since a win over Hibernian back in February.[LNB]The other criticism which has been aimed at Boyd is his inability to produce the goods against Celtic, having netted just one career goal against the Hoops.[LNB]But fellow forward Naismith believes his Tannadice strike will act as the ideal confidence-booster for the midweek trip to Parkhead.[LNB]He said: "It's not often he goes a few weeks without scoring so it will definitely do his confidence the world of good going into Tuesday night's game and I'm sure he will be hoping to play.[LNB]"It would be great for him to get a few more goals and answer his critics.[LNB]"That's what he always seems to do, answer his critics. He is just a goal-machine.[LNB]"He has taken a bit of stick over the last month for not scoring but the big man just keeps grinding away and hoping he gets his goal.[LNB]"In this game, he did it. I'm just delighted for him."[LNB]Naismith, himself, is hoping he has impressed enough to retain his place for the clash with Celtic.[LNB]"That's what you've got to do," he said.[LNB]"The majority of the team picks itself and has done throughout the majority of the season so there are not many places up for grabs and you've just got to take any opportunity when it comes."[LNB]Rangers secured the title last week and made seven changes for the visit to Tannadice.[LNB]But Naismith insists there was never any danger of it being a meaningless game for the players on the pitch, with so many desperate to impress boss Walter Smith.[LNB]He said: "Everybody maybe thought we were in holiday mode and didn't care about the result.[LNB]"But we wanted to keep the run going and there were a few changes so boys wanted to come in and show the manager they were capable of staying in the team and I thought everybody did that.[LNB]"We had a good time at the start of the week but on Thursday and Friday we were back to training and made sure we were okay for this game."[LNB]Boyd netted with just two minutes on the clock, before Nacho Novo doubled the lead for the champions shortly before half-time.[LNB]Damian Casalinuovo pulled a goal back for United and David Robertson - who netted the goal that sent Gers out of the Active Nation Scottish Cup - felt they could have had a penalty late on.[LNB]He went to ground under pressure from Kirk Broadfoot but was booked for diving by referee Stevie O'Reilly.[LNB]"I went to take a touch and felt a nudge on the back and I went down," he said.[LNB]"The referee made the decision that I dived.[LNB]"I think if it had been outside the box, it would have been a foul but it's the referee's decision at the end of the day."
