Source: Team_Talk
Rival bosses salute on-song Boyd
Andrius Velicka made a triumphant return to the Ibrox first team when he set the ball rolling on the victory with his first goal since the opening day of the season with just two minutes on the clock.
But strike partner Boyd stole the show with a superb effort in the first half before converting from the penalty spot to end Motherwell's hopes of a comeback after John Sutton pulled a goal back for the Steelmen.
Today's double brought Boyd's tally for the season to 28 goals but Smith was also thrilled with his overall contribution to the cause.
"I felt he was excellent today," said the Rangers boss, whose side closed to within a point of leaders Celtic.
"He has been playing really well for the last couple of months. He has played for the team.
"He went through a spell of not scoring but you know he will always come back. It's his overall performances which have been excellent and that has been the biggest thing.
"If he plays like that, he will always score, he will always get you a goal. He had a smashing goal for our second today."
Motherwell boss Mark McGhee hailed Boyd as pivotal to Rangers' win, admitting: "We couldn't handle Boyd in particular.
"I'm convinced that, if Kris Boyd had been playing for us today, we would have won. I think he was the big difference between the teams. We just couldn't handle him."
With no fewer than nine first-team regulars unavailable for Rangers, Velicka's was not the only surprise name on the teamsheet.
Steven Smith made his first appearance of the season, slotting into the left-back position vacated by the injured Sasa Papac.
Smith praised both players for rising to the challenge.
He said: "They were involved with the first goal and both the boys' attitudes have been excellent throughout the year, regardless of whether I pick them for the team or not.
"They showed that today. They obviously had a little bit of rustiness and knew they would have to be replaced, but credit to them for the manner in which they handled the game."
Rangers received a boost before kick-off when Celtic were held to a 1-1 draw at Hearts but Smith was keen to play down the significance of the result.
"It doesn't do any harm," he said. "But we have had this situation almost every week where one of the Old Firm teams plays before the other.
"I don't think it has that great an effect; the biggest thing is that you've got to win the games.
"We have managed to win three in a six-day period and that's a big boost for us all."
McGhee is well aware Motherwell's hopes of a top-six finish now rest on how many points Hibernian are able to accrue from their next two games.
He said: "If Hibs get beaten on Monday night and then Rangers beat them, we would only need a draw. Easy.
"If Hibs win on Monday and then beat Rangers, we've got no chance."
