Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has issued a stern hands-off warning to any clubs eyeing up a summer move for his leading scorer Liam Boyce.
The Northern Irishman, who has seven caps for his country, was last week linked with both Hearts and Hibernian, while he is also believed to be attracting interest from several English clubs.
Boyce has enjoyed another impressive campaign for the Dingwall men, netting 17 goals in all competitions, with the 26-year-old just two goals away from reaching 50 for the Staggies since his move from Cliftonville in 2014.
With another year to run on his contract beyond this summer, McIntyre is not entertaining interest in the prolific attacker.
McIntyre said: “There’s been no contact regarding Liam.
“He’s a fantastic player, a Northern Ireland international who has scored 16 league goals. He will generate interest. He’s a talisman in our team but he’s under contract. Liam’s going nowhere.”
Boyce was on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Celtic captain Scott Brown in the dying minutes of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against the Hoops, which resulted in the Scotland midfielder receiving a red card.
Celtic have appealed the decision, with Brown to contest the dismissal at a Scottish FA hearing on Thursday.
County are already without fellow forward Alex Schalk for Friday’s highland derby against Caley Thistle, after the Dutchman was handed a two-match suspension for diving to win a penalty against the champions.
McIntyre is pleased Boyce was not more seriously hurt by Brown’s challenge and the Staggies manager added: “Liam was lucky. There’s no doubt Scott was wound up by the decision. He’s lost control and gone in.
“It’s always about the speed of the challenge. If you go to ground and play the ball and take the man, more often than not you get a red card nowadays. It’s a red card and Liam was very fortunate.
“He had a good lump on his leg but I’m glad he’s not been caught flush on. Liam will be fine for the derby.”
