Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd does not believe he deserved to win the Bank of Scotland Premier League Young Player of the Month award for January.

It is his second such award this season, but he said: "I only played three games in January and in two of them I was rubbish.

"I deserved the award in August, but I don't know about this one.

"I scored a couple of goals last month. But, although that's always pleasing, it's more important that the team does well.

I'm pleased that I've scored nine goals so far this season Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd

"The goals make you play with more confidence and, if the team is playing well, I'll get chances and hopefully me and the other strikers will take them.

"I'm pleased that I've scored nine goals so far this season, but hopefully there are a few more to come."

The modest Boyd could be back in the running for the February award, having sealed a tremendous 4-0 win at Livingston with a spectacular strike.

He still does not consider himself a first-team regular.

"I was in and out of the side last season and, if it wasn't for injuries in this campaign, I am willing to bet I would be still in and out of the team," he said.

Despite his good start to the season, Boyd was left out of the Scotland Under-21 squad named to play against Ireland next week.

Boyd was included in the Scotland Under-19 pool that trained in Portugal in January and was disappointed with his omission from manager Rainer Bonhof's squad to face the Republic of Ireland at Rugby Park next week.

He has been patient when he has been on the bench Killie boss Jim Jefferies

"It was good to get away to Portugal with a bunch of new faces and hopefully that will be the basis of the first team squad for the future," he said.

"I've just got to knuckle down and try to get back in again."

Boyd's goals have helped Kilmarnock rise to fourth place in the league and within four points of third-placed Hearts.

Manager Jim Jeffries said: "He has been patient when he has been on the bench but has done well since he came back.

"I'd be straight with all my players and I tell them if they keep doing the business then they'll keep the position. That goes for Kris as well."