- Kris Boyd backs Rangers’ “pro-Scottish bias,” urging focus on proven domestic captains this summer.
- He highlights Lawrence Shankland as key target after leading Hearts to strong Premiership finish.
- Boyd also urges interest in Lewis Ferguson, praising leadership and Serie A development.
Kris Boyd has echoed Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh’s call for a “pro-Scottish bias” in the club’s transfer strategy this summer, urging his former side to prioritise proven home-grown captains as Danny Rohl begins shaping his squad for next season.
The former Scotland striker, who scored 138 goals across two spells at Ibrox, suggested Rangers should be looking closely at established leaders in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers will attempt to close the gap this summer after a frustrating campaign which saw them finish third
All while Hearts pushed Celtic to the final day and secured second place despite a final-day defeat to the Hoops.
Kris Boyd wants Hearts skipper at Ibrox
Boyd believes that profile should include Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.
The 30-year-old again led from the front in Gorgie as the Edinburgh side split the Old Firm and finished as the strongest challengers to Celtic across the season.
“With Lawrence, the captain of his team, you’ve got to look at these boys. I don’t know how much it would cost. Boyd said at a post-match Q&A during Rangers’ ‘Play on the Pitch Day’ at Ibrox.
“But if they just can get a deal done there then I would be delighted.”
Kris Boyd beckons Lewis Ferguson home
That theme extended beyond Shankland, with Boyd also referencing Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson.
He i the nephew of Boyd’s former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and has been repeatedly linked with a return to British football after establishing himself in Serie A.
“Can you look at these boys and think that there was a snobbery towards them all when they were leaving Scottish football the first time,” Boyd said.
The 42-year-old suggesting that early moves away from the Premiership are often dismissed until the players establish themselves abroad.
“But sometimes it’s the best for people to move on and go elsewhere and learn their trade,” he added.
“That’s exactly what a number of boys have done.”
Boyd stressed that any potential return would depend on circumstance and ambition.
Ferguson has built a strong reputation in Serie A and has captained Bologna regularly.
Links to remain in Italy
He has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent weeks.
“So, it’ll be interesting to see what Lewis wants to do. He’s now been away for a few years. Does he want to come back home?
“Maybe. Does he want to stay in Italy or go elsewhere? He might want to do that as well,” he said.
However, Boyd was clear that Rangers should not hesitate if opportunities arise to bring proven talent back to Britain.
Especially players with international experience and leadership qualities.
“But if you’re Rangers and you could possibly get a deal done there, of course you would,” he said.
“Because he’s shown for Scotland, that he’s outstanding.
“I think to captain Bologna in Serie A and achieve what he’s been able to achieve, outstanding. He was linked with big moves not so long ago, obviously got injured, but he seems to be back to his best now.
“So, if there is an opportunity there, I would definitely be someone to look at.”
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Boyd’s comments reflect a broader debate emerging around Rangers’ recruitment direction under Rohl, and whether experience, leadership and proven domestic or international pedigree should take precedence as the club reshapes its squad for the season ahead.
