Beasley: People tag him lazy but Kris bags 25 goals each season

Jun 1 2008 By Gavin Berry

DAMARCUS BEASLEY loves it when he sees Kris Boyd run on to the pitch for Rangers because he just knows the striker will make something happen.

And the American was over the moon when he heard Boyd had decided to stay at Ibrox after casting doubt on his future in the aftermath of a double that won the Scottish Cup against Queen of the South.

Beasley was making his comeback in that game after a lengthy spell out injured and the pair combined to devastating effect.

Boyd set up a great chance for the winger early on which he should have done better with before the former PSV Eindhoven star created the hitman's 24th and 25th goals of the season.

And the 26-year-old defended the Scotland man whose goals tally doesn't shield him from criticism over his work rate and all-round game. Now that Beasley is over his injury hell he's desperate to team up with Boyd next season and hopes they can combine to win the SPL title.

Beasley said: "People say Kris is lazy but he scores 25 goals a year. He has a great track record of putting the ball in the net.

"Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Kris are the same type - people say they are lazy but they are great goalscorers, great people and I'm glad to have Boydie on my team.

"I'm surprised at the criticism he gets. Look at the number of matches he has played and the goals he has scored, especially in big games. Kris has an immaculate record.

"Every time he steps on the pitch you know you will get something, whether it's a goal or an assist.

"I know there was speculation he might leave but I read that he's now going to stay and that's great, I hope he helps us win the title next year.

"I'm sure the gaffer has players in mind he will want to bring in but Boyd is definitely one I'd want to stay.

"I'm excited about next season, hopefully we'll have a good one and do some damage."

Beasley showed glimpses of the freshness and pace Rangers had been missing as their marathon campaign finally caught up with them.

He was lively at Hampden and only Boyd's brace stopped him winning the man of the match award.

And the American hopes to hit the ground running again at the start of next season. Beasley said: "I like to run at people when I get a chance and make things happen. Our squad is big enough that we can rotate.

"It's not that the team missed me - not at all. Without me they got to three cup finals so they didn't need me to do that.

"They did a tremendous job but I maybe could have added something different."

When Beasley signed, some critics thought he might be too lightweight for the rough and tumble of the SPL but he coped extremely well.

He said: "The physical side was fine, I got used to that in England.

"But when I went up against Inverness Caley's Ross Tokely that was a bit different! I think I got kicked abut 10 times.

"But after a couple of months I was fine here. That's a year under my belt now and I feel suited to Scottish football.

"Glasgow is a great city, full of nice people who treat me fine."