Brian Rice backs new Inverness Caley Thistle signing Steven Boyd to be a success in Highland capital after working with striker at Hamilton and Alloa
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Brian Rice believes Steven Boyd can showcase “fantastic talent” and reignite his career at the Caledonian Stadium.
The former Celtic and Scotland youth striker dropped a couple of leagues in September 2019 after leaving then-Premiership Hamilton Accies to join East Fife.
After further spells with Peterhead and Alloa last season, where he hit seven league goals, the 25-year-old craved a full time return.
Billy Dodds won the chase and Rice feels Boyd, who emerged alongside Kieran Tierney at Celtic, can realise his potential in the Highlands.
“I had Steven at Hamilton, previously, and at Alloa last season,” Rice, Caley Jags assistant manager from July 2015 to June 2018, said.
“He came from Celtic to Hamilton as a kid. He’s a very good football player. I tried my best to keep him, but I couldn’t match what full time clubs were offering him this summer.
“He wanted to go back to full time playing and it is a great move for him.
“He has such a lot of ability and is very creative, good at set plays and one who takes the ball in and makes things happen.
“It’s another challenge for him, moving up a league again, but Caley Thistle is a great move.
“Much as I didn’t want to see him go, I’m delighted he has gone to a club like that. I’m sure Billy and his staff will get the best out of him.”
Rice knows Caley Jags have a proven track record of giving players who may have lost their way a lift in their careers.
“At Inverness, that’s what they do,” he said. “With the greatest respect, they can’t afford top players and have to uncover little diamonds.
“Steven is a player who can be anything he wants to be. He’s a fantastic talent and was great for me last season.
“He was only a young player at Hamilton, but has played a lot of games since and knows the Scottish game well. As I say, I’m gutted to lose him but delighted he’s going to Inverness.”
