COACH TELLS BOYD TO DO HIS TALKING ON THE FIELD

PAUL LE GUEN yesterday told unhappy striker Kris Boyd to do his talking on the park.

But it does seem there are too many players at Rangers who are not saying or doing the right thing.

Last season's top scorer is likely to be benched again for today's game against Hearts but new loan signing Phil Bardsley shouldstart.

Hamed Namouchi, a regular under Alex McLeish, is likely to leave the club over the weekend, while fringe men such as Nacho Novo, Marvin Andrews Jean Pierre Fanfan and perhaps even Gavin Rae know they will be moved as quickly as possible to free up money for new faces.

This is a clear indication that the manager has now made up his mind about many of the players left by his predecessor. And his conclusion is that they're not good enough.

Rangers have operated with just one striker so far and Filip Sebo wasnot bought as a squad man. Boyd may feel he deserves a place but only one man's opinion counts.

Le Guen said: "I expect my players to want to play. But anybody can speak. It is important that the best answer is on the pitch. That is always the best.

"I'm happy with Kris's work. I was not surprised he said he wanted to play.

That is normal. I will carry on selecting the players irrespective of this.

"We have Filip Sebo and Novo who can say exactly the same. There is not enough room for everyone.

"I would like one more central defender but we need players to go. But it is a difficult situation for them.

"I spoke with Novo about maybe letting him go. It depends on offers.

"Gavin Rae is important for the squad and perhaps also for the team. He is a very good guy but even if he doesn't play for the moment, I appreciate his work. I like training him.

"We want to respect the contracts the players have signed. But it is important they know the situation."

Manchester United right-back Bardsley looked the part when he deputised for Gary Neville last season and could do well for Rangers.

Le Guen said: "Phil has a chance to start against Hearts. I saw him play for Manchester United against Benfica last year and he did well."

Changes in personnel, perhaps even formation, will be made for today's visit by Hearts because a repeat of last week's form will not be tolerated.

Le Guen said: "I have not been surprised by the reaction because expectation here is high - perhaps too high for the moment. I want the fans to be happy and it was a bad result against Dunfermline. Moreover it was abad game.

"I'm not surprised the pressure is there. I'm used toliving with it. I think Ican cope.

"When you are the manager of Lyon, the expectation is high too. You are supposed to win all the games. When you lose two or three games during the season it becomes difficult."

And a certain knight of the realm has made it difficult for Bardsley to turn down the chance to represent Scotland.

He said: "I was in training last year when Sir Alex Ferguson called me into his office after training. When I got there Walter Smith was waiting.

"Of course my intentions are playing for England but it's a fantastic opportunity to play for Scotland if that's on the cards. I'd just have to have a think about it.

"When I spoke to Walter we had a chat about his plans. I think it's something Sir Alex would like to see happen too. He's always talking to me about playing for Scotland."

Taken from the Daily Record