Boyd likened to Rangers hero McCoist

Striker Kris Boyd has the potential to rival the goal scoring exploits of Rangers hero Ally McCoist says boss Walter Smith.

The 25-year-old striker is enjoying arguably the best form of his career just now, with his tally for the season now 10 goals.

"He's got a career to go through but the initial part would indicate that, if he carries on playing at Rangers as long as Ally did, then he has an opportunity to beat that statistically," said Smith.

"Ally had to break a few goalscoring records here to get himself up there and Kris will have to work like that. But that's a long way down the line."

Boyd has often been criticised for his lack of work-rate in the past but Smith insists the striker deserves credit for trying to improve his overall game this season.

He added: "I've said on many occasions that there are aspects of his game that he had to improve on but his goalscoring was something nobody could complain about.

"He's a terrific finisher, one of the best I've been involved with. His overall level of play has improved as well.

"He had bits of his game that he had to improve on and he's worked at that since the start of the season.

"He's improved that aspect and it's not interfered with his level of goals. Long may that continue."