Rangers lose Kris Boyd to a hernia operation

Kris Boyd will undergo a hernia operation tomorrow and faces about month on the sidelines in what represents a serious injury blow to Rangers. The prolific striker, who recently became the top scorer in the brief history of the Scottish Premier League, limped off during the first half of Rangers' 3-3 draw at Hamilton on Sunday due to pain in the groin areas. Boyd had experienced discomfort for a number of weeks and, though Rangers hoped it was not significant, diagnosis has now revealed that surgery is required and a meaningful absence will follow. "Kris got an injury, which we obviously don't want at this time because he has been doing so well for us," said the Rangers manager, Walter Smith. The timing of the former Kilmarnock player's injury may also impact on his future. Middlesbrough and Birmingham City are interested in taking Boyd, whose contract expires this summer, to England but the clubs could be put off by the 26-year-old's lack of fitness. Rangers have also offered the forward a new deal until 2013. Smith warned on Friday that Rangers' resources were already stretched by a string of injuries but another player who had to be replaced at Hamilton, Steven Davis, has returned to training following a dead leg. Four Celtic players today underwent medicals on Teesside as they edge closer to completing moves to Middlesbrough. Gary Caldwell, Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Willo Flood all travelled south to be reunited with their former manager Gordon Strachan on the day Celtic signed the Dutch defender Jos Hooiveld. Caldwell has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Riverside while Robson will sign on for two-and-a-half years. Middlesbrough will take over the remaining terms on the contracts of Flood and Killen.