Rangers striker Kris Boyd has successful hernia operation

The Rangers striker Kris Boyd has undergone a successful hernia operation. The 26-year-old is now recovering from the surgery in Manchester before returning to Scotland today. According to the club's official website, he is expected to make a "quick and complete recovery" and could be back in action this time next month. Boyd has been struggling with the injury for several weeks and was forced out of Sunday's 3-3 Scottish Cup draw with Hamilton. He travelled south with the club doctor, Paul Jackson, last night for a consultation with a groin specialist, and the decision was taken to operate after tests revealed he was carrying a significant injury requiring surgery. The Rangers manager, Walter Smith, said earlier today that he expects to be without the SPL's record goalscorer for up to six weeks – the standard recovery time for such operations. However, Rangers hope the striker, who has netted 19 goals this season, will be back sooner. He will definitely miss this weekend's SPL game at Hamilton and next week's Scottish Cup replay against Accies, as well as matches against Hearts, St Mirren and Falkirk. He is also set to sit out the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final with St Johnstone and the Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren should Rangers reach the fifth round. But Boyd could be back for games against Motherwell and Hibernian in February. Ewan Murray