Boyd: I could've kept Gers in Europe

Aug 10 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

KRIS BOYD last night insisted he could have saved Rangers £10million and a humiliating Champions League exit by grabbing the goals to beat Kaunas.

The Ibrox hitman was only given 27 minutes over both legs as the Lithuanian minnows sent Walter Smith's side spinning out of Europe.

He was thrown on with just three minutes to go in midweek and asked to save Rangers' skin.

But Boyd feels he could have killed off Kaunas if he started the game.

Speaking for the first time about being left out of yet another European tie, Boyd said: "Going into any game I always believe I can score.

"Over the two legs I could have got one or two goals. I don't think Kaunas were anything great.

"Even on their day I don't think they're any better than a team finishing fourth or fifth in Scotland.

"They didn't create anything apart from set-pieces. But we only have ourselves to blame. The fans were with us every step of the way last year but we've let them down.

"Last season seems so far away. Even in pre-season we just haven't been at it."

Boyd admits Rangers are lacking midfield creativity to supply the glut of strikers at gaffer Smith's disposal.

And he urged the club to make signing Fulham's Steve Davis, a loan star last season, their top priority.

Kris said: "You need players who can create and I don't think we have that.

"I'm not saying our players are bad - their strengths are in the other side of the game.

"We need someone who can create and cut a team open.

"If you have that you can afford to miss chances because more will be coming.

"Guys like Barry Ferguson and Steve Davis can do that.

When we needed someone to take control of a game last season we were able to do it through Barry or Steve.

"Davis should still be our top target. He created a lot of chances for me."

After the crushing defeat by Kaunas, Rangers will only compete for domestic honours this season.

Boyd started the 1-0 win over Falkirk yesterday as Gers got their SPL campaign off to a winning start.

And he said: "There is no other option for us now but to win the league. We must do it.

"We got to the UEFA Cup Final and won two domestic trophies last season but it was still a failure because we didn't win the league."