Boyd can fire Scots to Euro glory

SCOTLAND midfielder Barry Robson today claimed Kris Boyd can play a key role in Craig Levein’s team as they aim for a place in the Euro 2012 finals.

Inverurie’s Robson set up Scott Brown’s winner in Scotland’s 1-0 Hampden victory over qualification rivals Czech Republic.

Robson then watched Rangers striker Boyd come off the bench to replace club-mate Kenny Miller and end his self-imposed international exile.

Boyd refused to be considered for selection under previous boss George Burley, after being left on the bench during the goal-less World Cup qualifying draw against Norway in 2008.

But despite fears some Scotland fans would have a dig at Boyd for his previous actions, the overwhelming reaction from the stands was positive.

Robson joked: “I’m not pleased for him because I was wanting everyone to slaughter him!

The Middlesbrough midfielder then added: “Seriously, Kris is a great player, he scores some great goals and he is great to have around the place. He will be very important for us in the qualifiers.”

It was Scotland’s first win in a friendly at Hampden since they beat Australia by a single Ally McCoist goal 14 years ago and Robson was glad to get Levein’s tenure off to a winning start.

“It has been a long time coming for us,” he said.

“We were well organised and we looked as if we could go on and score more goals at the end.

“We looked a bit cagey in the first 20 minutes but after that we got a foothold in the game, grew in confidence and looked a lot better side.”