STUART McCall has insisted Kris Boyd has a future at Rangers - and could still play a key role in the Ibrox club's SPFL Championship promotion bid.

 

Striker Boyd was absent from the 18-man Gers squad for the second week in a row against part-time Cowdenbeath on Saturday.

That sparked speculation the 31-year-old hit man, who has been disappointing in his second spell at his boyhood heroes, wouldn't play for the Light Blues again.

However, interim manager McCall has stressed the former Scotland internationalist remains very much in his plans.

He explained: "If I'm not starting with either Kris or Jon (Daly) then I don't feel I need both of them on the bench.

"Jon came on against Alloa and made an impact so I think it would be difficult to leave Jon out at the moment.

"If I had played Jon and Kenny (Miller) on Saturday then Boydy would have been on the bench. I just don't feel I need both Jon and Boydy on the bench.

"But they have both trained well. Boydy was in on Saturday and trained with the kids and (Ian) Durranty said he was terrific."

McCall added: "There is no problem. I explained it to him and he is fully committed to everything we are trying to do here.

"I spoke to him before the game at Easter Road because I didn't want to take him to the hotel if he wasn't going to be involved and I spoke to him on Friday.

"He is in training trying to keep an edge to his fitness. Boydy's attitude since I walked in the door has been first class. He trains as hard as he can and will continue to do that.

"Between now and the end of the season anyone, the most unlikely person, somebody who isn't in the squad at the minute, could end up being the hero."