The Ibrox manager woke up yesterday to headlines declaring his international goal-ace who netted twice in the CIS and Scottish Cup Finals could be heading out of Govan in his bid to become a first team regular.

But Smith insisted his aim to recruit three top quality players – including a target man – during the summer might see the striker play more matches for Rangers next season and convince him his future remained in Glasgow.

And he has also stressed that he expected Player of the Year, Carlos Cuellar to stay despite interest from Newcastle, while he hopes to retain on-loan Steve Davis, as well as veterans Davie Weir and Christian Dailly.

''Kris has helped us win two cups this season by scoring two goals in two games, and he is always liable to get you a goal,'' admitted Smith. ''I don't know if he will leave club. I am certainly quite happy to have him and have never heard him ask to go. I would have a problem with that from my point of view.

''He has managed to play a lot of games for us and finished as our top scorer so I don't see a great deal of a problem for him. Like every other player he wants to play more regularly than he has done this season… and maybe next season he will. But I have to think the best way for Rangers to play.

''At times, it's to do with the overall strength of team… that is a factor in my team selection.You can look at an individual in the side but a manager has also to look at the team aspect of it. I feel the stronger we become as a team then the more constructive Boyd will be and I know if I can make the team stronger he will play more often.

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