Liam Boyce named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for December

The Northern Ireland forward has been in stellar form this season, bagging 17 goals for the Staggies – including five in five games last month.

Boyce has been injured for the last three games as he recovers from a fractured hand, but is hoping for a speedy return as he targets the League Cup semi-final with Celtic on January 31.

“I had another x-ray today and they think it’s going to be another two to four weeks,” Boyce said.

“I’m aiming for the Celtic semi-final, it’s a big match, but I’ll just need to take each game as it comes.

“I’m obviously hoping it’s two weeks (before I can return), I might be able to play with a smaller cast.

“It’s really annoying since I can do everything except contact. I just need to stay positive and keep in good shape.”

Boyce’s fantastic December included a Boxing Day hat-trick against Dundee.