Boss Walter Smith insists that Rangers striker Boyd has future at Ibrox

And he hinted that the prolific goalscorer would get more game time if Rangers can add sufficient quality to their squad during the summer transfer window.

The Scotland international's Ibrox future is back at the top of the agenda again after his double floored Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday.

Cup hero: Kris Boyd struck twice in Rangers' victory over Queen of the South

Boyd replicated his two-goal salvo in the CIS Cup Final against Dundee United in March to take his tally for the season to 25 club goals, with two more for his country  -  despite limited starts at Ibrox.

Smith openly admitted that Boyd, who has never once publicly criticised his boss, has privately complained about his lack of games.

But the manager, who toasted his 15th trophy in two spells at the Ibrox helm with the 3- 2 victory over Queens, wants the 24-year-old to complete the remaining two years of his contract.

"I am quite happy to have Kris here," said Smith. "There is no problem in that respect. Like every other player, he will want to play more regularly than maybe he has done. He has suffered his disappointments  -  and I know that.

"But it is what I feel is the best way for Rangers to play. He has played in a number of games and he has finished up as our top goalscorer again.

"I don't see a great deal of a problem, but I know the problem from his point of view is that he wants to start more games. Maybe next season he will."

Boyd insisted in the Hampden aftermath that he will think 'long and hard' over the summer about whether he wants to try to add to his 71 goals for Rangers since moving to Ibrox from Kilmarnock in January 2006.

But, with doubts over the future of Daniel Cousin and Jean-Claude Darcheville, it is still Smith's decision, with the striker under contract, and much will doubtless depend on the size of any offer from a suitor.

Newcastle have been watching Rangers' Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar, but the manager would like to reject all offers for his star asset.

Winners: Rangers' Nacho Novo (left), who was suspended, and Carlos Cuellar with the cup after the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park

"I have not had any indication from anyone yet that they are going to inquire about Cuellar," added the Rangers boss. "I want to try to keep all the players we have had in our squad."

Smith has spoken before about the Boyd ' conundrum' and explained his reasoning again yesterday, after losing out in the league but being beaten in just two of 24 knockout cup ties at home and in Europe.

"Kris has aspects of his game that are not up to the level of his goalscoring," said the manager.

"I think that is something he will always have  -  his goalscoring ability  -  and he has helped us win two trophies with that this season.

"He is one of those players who is always liable to get you a goal. It is a conundrum at times but often it comes down to the overall strength of the team.

"While those from the outside can look at the individual situations, a manager has to look at the team aspect of it.

"We also have to look at other areas that we have to take care of and I think, overall, we have handled that situation. The stronger we get as a team, the more productive Kris Boyd will be for us."

Goal-den times: DaMarcus Beasley (right) celebrates with team-mate Boyd after scoring against Queen of the South

Smith continued: "When you start out with a brand new team, as we did here last August, then you are never quite sure of the overall strength of the side. Kris is not the ideal striker if we are going to play with only one up front. He needs a partner to play alongside him.

"And he also needs the team to be strong around him to get the best out of him. It is not always an easy combination.

"Kris has only ever complained to me about not playing. And I have been pleased with that reaction, because he is quite right to want to play regularly.

"He can hold up his scoring record and say: 'I will get you goals.'

"However, I have a lot of other considerations to take into account. The stronger I can make the team, the more often he will play for us.

"Kris has reduced his weight from 15 or 16 months ago when we arrived here. He works hard at his game. I have absolutely no complaints about him.

"Kris is a good professional. He does his work  -  and he only complains when he doesn't get a game."