LIAM Boyce’s best ever display of finishing was the Ross County striker’s way of paying tribute to his uncle and showing his appreciation for manager Jim McIntyre’s humanity.

The 26-year-old has been in particularly devastating form in derbies this season, scoring a hat-trick in his club’s first meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in August and two more in between times. However he put aside personal sadness ahead of heading back to Belfast at the weekend to attend his uncle’s funeral, to reach new heights on Friday evening, looking skywards as he celebrated wistfully.

“That’s the first time I have scored four goals,” he said, following the 4-0 defeat that plunged their neighbours ever deeper into relegation trouble – seven points adrift following Dundee’s defeat of Motherwell the following day.

“The celebration was for my uncle Thomas. The whole family were watching. It’s also tough for my father losing his younger brother. You don’t expect your younger brother to die first.”