Thompson says Boyd good enough for Premiership as Cardiff bid fails

RANGERS could find their resolve tested further if Cardiff City table an increased bid for striker Kris Boyd.

The Ibrox club confirmed yesterday that an offer, reported to be in the region of £2.5 million and thought to have come from the Coca-Cola Championship outfit, had been rejected.

But Rangers chiefs could soon be looking at an increased bid if Cardiff manager Dave Jones decides Boyd is the man he wants to lead his attack next season.

The 24-year-old netted 25 goals for Rangers last term despite making just 23 starts, and had a major role to play in the club's capture of both the CIS and Scottish Cups.

Earlier this week he reiterated a desire to remain at Ibrox and fight for his place despite failing to establish himself as a regular in Walter Smith's plans – and despite the arrival of three new strikers in Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Kyle Lafferty.

However, a new offer from the FA Cup finalists could tempt Rangers to sell and force Boyd to reconsider his options.

Cardiff striker Steven Thompson is a fan of Boyd, and the former Rangers man would no doubt relish the prospect of playing alongside him at Ninian Park. But he believes Boyd is capable of playing at a much higher level than the Championship and Thompson said: "If I was Boydy I would be looking more at the Premiership and that's only if he wants to go.

"You just have to take one look at his scoring record to realise it's quite unbelievable.

"I don't know what Kris will decide to do but there's no doubt he's capable of playing at the very highest level."

Meanwhile, former Rangers striker John MacDonald has urged the Ibrox side to cling to a player who has already proved himself as a prolific goalscorer.

McDonald said: "It's a good thing they have rejected this offer because it shows Rangers aren't willing to sell him just because they've brought in another three strikers.

"Out of the four, he is the most prolific. The others have still to prove themselves but he has already done it.

"The way that Rangers played last season didn't really suit him but he still managed to score goals.

"He won't chase full-backs or run all over the park; he wants to get into the box and wait for chances.

"Everyone knows that Boyd will score goals and having him play off someone like Miller could be good for him.

"Miller is willing to run about all over the place, he will take on defenders and midfielders, and he needs someone to get on the end of things like Boyd will."

The money Rangers would receive should they decide to sell Boyd will help them with the additional funds they are now due to Burnley after Alan Gow turned down the chance of a move to Turf Moor.

Gow was offered as part of the deal which brought Lafferty to Ibrox earlier this week, but Rangers will now have to pay Burnley a cash equivalent if the player continues to be reluctant to move.

Gow's agent Phil McTaggart said: "Alan will be back at Rangers next season and will report for pre-season training next Wednesday to try and force his way into Walter Smith's plans."