Steven Naismith believes Rangers have the players to compensate for the loss of prolific scorer Kris Boyd.

Boyd joined Middlesbrough on Monday under freedom of contract, ending a four-and-a-half year spell at Ibrox in which he scored 132 goals.

"It's definitely a big opportunity for everybody that plays up front at the club," said Naismith.

"He's a hard guy to follow but we've got players that can score goals so I'm sure we'll do alright."

Naismith scored four times for Rangers last season, featuring mostly in wide areas but the 23-year-old made his name as a centre-forward with Kilmarnock.

Kenny Miller has been a regular scorer throughout the last two seasons while Kyle Lafferty, Andrius Velicka would appear to be Rangers' other main striking options for the season ahead.

"Andrius Velicka's come back from a bad injury last year, Kyle's played up front as well and Kenny's obviously our main striker.

Naismith and Boyd were team-mates at Rangers and Kilmarnock

"Andy Little's played up front as well so there's a few boys who can play the position. I'm sure everybody will be getting a chance throughout the season on current form."

Boyd joined Nacho Novo, DaMarcus Beasley and Steven Smith out of the Ibrox exit door and Rangers are expected to strengthen their squad during the close season, having made only one loan signing over the past 18 months.

"It'll probably keep everybody on their toes," Naismith said. "The squad's not been as big for the last couple of years and a few new faces will brighten the whole place up.

"Hopefully it does give more competition for places and raises the standard again.

"It's a totally different place without, not just Boydy, but all the boys that have left. Over the last couple of years we gelled well as a whole squad, not just in a football sense but off the field. It's a transformation now.

Meanwhile, Naismith has backed Boyd to continue his impressive scoring record in England.

"I think he'll score goals wherever he plays," added Naismith.

"Throughout his career so far he's shown that, starting off at Kilmarnock, coming to Rangers and then when he got into the international scene as well.

"It's another challenge for him and I'm sure he'll score many goals for Middlesbrough. He's been in Scotland a long time, it's probably just a different challenge for him. It's another league for him to play in and I'm sure if he does well for Middlesbrough then there's every chance he could be playing in one of the best leagues in the world.

"If people are saying it's not a step up for him then that'll be his motivation. If he wins the league or gets promoted this year, he'll be playing in the best league in the world."

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