Rangers hero Kris Boyd offers Antonio Colak prediction under Michael Beale as he questions striker’s style
KRIS BOYD reckons Antonio Colak may struggle to fit into Michael Beale's style of play at Rangers.
The Croatian forward, who joined Ibrox this summer, has been a star man for his new club - scoring 14 goals so far this season.
He took Alfredo Morelos' role as the No1 striker under Gio van Bronchorst and has established himself as a fan favourite in Govan since his switch from Greek outfit PAOK.
He will aim to continue his fine form under new boss Michael Beale following his appointment yesterday.
But Gers legend Boyd admits he might not fit into the 42-year-old's style.
SunSport columnist Boyd insists strikers had an extremely important role under Steven Gerrard and his former right-hand man.
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He insists Morelos and other forwards like Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe had to dictate the tempo up front and start attacks - not just finish them.
And Boyd reckons if that's how Beale wants to play when he's in the dugout then the Croatian hitman will struggle to adapt into the new system.
Asked whether Colak will fit into Beale's style at Rangers, Boyd told Sky Sports: "It will be interesting to see what happens. I think Antonio Colak has done really, really well.
"But I see him more as a striker that tries to take himself away from the ball. One that peels on the back of defenders.
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"Under Steven Gerrard, with Mick Beale as a coach, the striker was pivotal to the way Rangers played, linking the play. So, the whole recruitment thing is going to be crucial."
Meanwhile, Boyd trolled QPR over Beale's appointment as he insists the new boss always had "one eye on Ibrox.
He said: "Every appointment is a gamble or a risk, whatever way you want to look at it.
"He has only had 20 odd games as a manager but he has been involved in football for a long, long time.
"He has coached in different countries, but it brings it's own risk when you go out on your own. I'm sure QPR fans would have been saying the same things in the summer.
"He has never been a manager before, it's a risk, and taking over from Mark Warburton with the job he has done.
"But he went in there and started the season really well, albeit the last few games it's not been.
"I think there has probably been other things on Mick Beale's mind - he was up at Ibrox a couple of weeks ago.
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"He has probably had one eye on this. I know he has been very vocal on why he turned down Wolves, but Rangers is a special football club. It plays with your heart strings, and he feels as if he can go and turn it around."
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