Andrew Dickson reports from Ibrox

KRIS BOYD is making his first start in seven games for Rangers as Walter Smith makes three changes to his side for tonight's SPL game with Motherwell.

The Scotland striker, a scorer in each of the last five games with the Steelmen, hasn't been in the first XI since the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Partick on April 13.

Indeed, he has only featured once in the six games since - none of which Gers have won - as a substitute for the last 13 minutes of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Hibs.

Now the 24-year-old is back in the fold and he will be keen to add to the 22 goals he has scored for the Ibrox outfit so far this season.

Jean-Claude Darcheville also starts instead of Christian Dailly a more attacking 4-4-2 system as Smith looks for three points to keep the destiny of the title in Rangers' hands.

Steven Whittaker is involved in the final alteration as he comes in for Sasa Papac, with the Bosnian rested and omitted from the squad.

Among the substitutes is midfielder Charlie Adam, who has been out for the last five weeks after suffering a knee injury in training.

Motherwell line up with five former Light Blues players in their team. They are Graeme Smith, Brian McLean, Stephen Hughes, Ross McCormack and Bob Malcolm.

Victory for the hosts would take them to within four points of Celtic at the top of the league with two games more to play.

RANGERS: Alexander; Broadfoot, Weir, Cuellar, Whittaker; Davis, Ferguson, Thomson, Novo; Darcheville, Boyd.

Subs: G. Smith, Dailly, Cousin, Adam, Lennon, Emslie, McMillan.

MOTHERWELL: G. Smith, Reynolds, Craigan, McLean, Hughes, Lappin, McCormack, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Malcolm, McGarry.

Subs: Daniels, Hammell, Porter, Clarkson, D. Smith, Murphy, Meechan.

Referee: Charlie Richmond.