Rangers 2 Kilmarnock 1: Boyd's rescue act proves a timely reminder to Rangers

Kris Boyd is determined to leave Rangers manager Walter Smith with no option but to keep him in his team after netting twice against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League. Rangers headed into the break trailing to a Frazer Wright goal after just nine minutes but Boyd came to the rescue for the Ibrox club, converting from the penalty spot and claiming his second just four minutes later.

Those goals propelled Smith's men three points clear at the summit of the SPL just hours after rivals Celtic returned to winning ways with a victory at Motherwell. And Boyd was thrilled to hand out another reminder to Smith of exactly what he can bring to the team despite criticism of his work rate.

"I want to build on that and, if I keep scoring, I'm going to stay in the team," he said. "The gaffer has showed that he is playing 4-4-2 now and hopefully I can stay a part of the two up front."

Boyd has started four out of five SPL games this season but missed out on the 4-2 Old Firm derby win at Celtic Park and is keen to ensure he does not sit out any more big games.

He added: "I want to play in every game that I can and I was obviously disappointed to miss out on an Old Firm game. But I can't have any complaints if the team wins. It's up to me to get my head down, work hard and get back in the team."

Boyd had no complaints about being taken off with less than 10 minutes to go against Kilmarnock, denying him the opportunity to try to claim a hat-trick. The striker came off the bench in Macedonia for Scotland last Saturday before travelling to Iceland four days later and admits the international break took its toll on him and the rest of his Rangers club-mates.

"I was a bit tired to be fair, I've not played in four weeks," he said. "Things probably needed a bit of freshening up and the gaffer has done that. It showed in the way we started the game."

Goals: Wright (9) 0-1; Boyd (58 pen) 1-1; Boyd (62) 2-1.

Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, Davis, Edu (Adam, 65), Pedro Mendes, Beasley (Novo, 46), Miller, Boyd (Darcheville, 83). Substitutes not used: Alexander, Niguez, McMillan, Fleck.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Ford, Wright, Hay, Invincibile, Pascali (Hamill, 89), Bryson, Skelton (Sammon, 75), Taouil, Fernandez (Simmonds, 86). Substitutes not used: Rascle, Lilley, Flannigan, Nolan.

Referee: C Murray (Scotland).

Booked: Rangers Boyd, Papac, Pedro, Mendes. Kilmarnock Skelton, Pascali.

Sent off: Rangers Papac (90).

Man of the match: Boyd.

Attendance: 50,019.