Robson thrilled Boyd is back - 7M sport

Robson thrilled Boyd is back

Posted Thursday, March 04, 2010 by PA

Scotland midfielder Barry Robson believes Kris Boyd can play a key role in Craig Levein's team push for a place in the Euro 2012 finals following Wednesday night's 1-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic.

Rangers striker Boyd had refused to be considered for selection under previous boss George Burley, and after being recalled by Levein for his first game as Scotland manager it was expected that some Scotland fans would have a dig at him - but the reception he received from a half-full Hampden when he came on as substitute was mostly positive.

Former Old Firm rival Robson said: "I'm not pleased for him because I was wanting everyone to slaughter him. Seriously, Kris is a great player, he scores some great goals and he is great to have around the place, and 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 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. "I thought 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."

Boyd had barely 25 minutes to make an impact but did his best and had a goal ruled out for offside.

"I am delighted to be back," Boyd said. "I always said I wanted to be back in a Scotland jersey and I got the chance.

"I thank the fans for the reception they gave me and hopefully I can repay them with goals that qualify us through the next campaign.

"As a footballer you have to focus on what you are doing. You don't let anything around you affect you. It was no different on Wednesday night but it was good to get an ovation like that when I came on and I thank the fans very much."



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