McIntyre issues hands-off warning over top scorer

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has issued a hands-off warning to any clubs eyeing up a summer move for his leading scorer Liam Boyce.

The Northern Irishman, who has seven caps for his country, was last week linked with Hearts and Hibs.

He is also believed to be attracting interest from several English clubs.

Boyce has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Dingwall men, netting 17 goals in all competitions.

The 26-year-old is just two goals away from reaching 50 for the Staggies since his move from Cliftonville in 2014.

With another year to run on his contract beyond this summer, McIntyre is not entertaining interest in the prolific attacker.

McIntyre said: “There’s been no contact regarding Liam.

“He’s a fantastic player, a Northern Ireland international who has scored 16 league goals. He will generate interest. He’s a talisman in our team but he’s under contract. Liam’s going nowhere.”

Boyce was on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Celtic captain Scott Brown in the dying minutes of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against the Hoops, which resulted in the Scotland midfielder receiving a red card. Celtic have appealed the decision. County are already without forward Alex Schalk for Friday’s Highland derby against Caley Thistle after the Dutchman was handed a two-match suspension for diving to win a penalty against the champions.

McIntyre said Boyce will be “fine for the derby”.