Boyd ready for start against Celtic

The Rangers striker Kris Boyd is confident of taking his good form into today's Old Firm derby, but only if he is handed a start at Ibrox.

Boyd has scored an astonishing 18 goals in 19 games this season, but his poor record against Celtic has led to suggestions that he could be dropped for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match.

The 25-year-old has scored only once for Rangers against their arch-rivals, though he has made only four appearances in Scotland's biggest club fixture since his move from Kilmarnock almost three years ago.

Boyd said: "Obviously, I want to play in all of the team's big games and to show I can score against the best teams in Scotland. I have been disappointed only to score once against Celtic in the past. That is something that I definitely want to improve upon. I think it helps players in general, and myself in particular, to start games. Sometimes it can be difficult coming on and making an impression midway through a game, especially in the Old Firm game.

"I would like to think I have done enough with my goals and my performances this season to merit my inclusion from the start this weekend. I've been scoring goals and have struck up a good understanding with Kenny Miller."

The Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley fully expects to be facing Boyd even if Boyd is not sure. "I think he will play – I don't think there is a doubt," Hartley said. "In the form he is in, I don't see why he shouldn't play. There has been a big deal made of why he perhaps wouldn't play but he has been playing every week and scoring goals. He's a goalscorer and that's what he does best."