Boyd: Big Eck was right to snub me for Scots youth
KRIS BOYD says Alex McLeish was right to hand him a Scotland snub.
The Kilmarnock hitman was touted for a stunning return after firing 19 goals this term – but missed out on the new national gaffer’s first squad for the clashes against Costa Rica and Hungary.
But Boyd, 34, has no complaints and said: “My days in a Scotland jersey were numbered.
“It wasn’t something I was getting caught up in, the most important thing was getting games for Kilmarnock and scoring goals. I’ve been playing with a smile on my face and I’ve been enjoying it.
“When you get to my age, it was the right decision by Alex. There is a new generation coming through so what would be the point in playing someone who is 34?
“I can totally understand Alex’s decision with a lot of the older guys. There was an opportunity there to go and get youngsters and give them games and international experience in time for the next campaign.
“Players aged 34 or 35 can’t go on forever, it’s good to get youngsters in. I wish Scotland all the best.”
Boyd will focus on his Killie career and insists something is stirring in Ayrshire under Steve Clarke.
Tuesday’s Scottish Cup defeat by Aberdeen on penalties was a sore one but with 9000 passionate punters packed into Rugby Park, Boyd is convinced the club is going places.
He said: “We were disappointed to lose but there is a genuine belief around here we have come a long way in a short time.
“We can kick on and use nights like Tuesday to get the same amount of people back to see us on a Saturday. Hopefully we can finish strong and set ourselves up for next season.”
Killie boss Clarke has been unhappy with their brutal schedule of six games in 18 days – and they are now gearing up for Saturday’s trip to Ibrox to face Rangers.
They’ve already defeated Gers this term and Boyd fancies causing another stir against his old side.
He added: “It’s always difficult going to Ibrox but the way we’ve been playing we feel more than a match for anyone. If we go there and stick to our game plan let’s see what happens.”