Kyle Lafferty on the Rangers connection that made Linfield switch a 'no brainer'

The Northern Irishman is back in Belfast to link up with David Healy once again after leaving Kilmarnock.

Kyle Lafferty admits it was a “no-brainer” to sign for Linfield after old Rangers pal David Healy made the call.

The striker has penned a deal with the Northern Irish champions until the end of the season after leaving Kilmarnock on transfer deadline day. Lafferty’s departure came as a shock following a conversation with the Rugby Park board, mutually parting company due to a “disciplinary issue.” Boss Derek McInnes he would have rather kept Lafferty in Ayrshire for the second part of the Premiership season as he battles to beat the drop.

But McInnes’ loss is Healy’s gain, who links up with his former teammate once again after a brief stint at Ibrox together and many more caps for Northern ireland. The Blues trail league leaders Cliftonville by four points, and Lafferty is set to make his debut against the pacer setters this weekend in a bid to reel them in at the summit.

Lafferty supported Linfeild growing up, and said that the requirement to win trophies was a big factor in his decision to sign. He said: “There was a lot of speculation about me coming here. Knowing how big a club Linfield is and supporting them as a young boy as well, it’s something I;ve always looked at so I’m absolutely delighted to be here.

“I know how passionate the fans are. They’re required to win trophies every single season. Every team I’ve played for in my career have always had high expectations to win trophies and I’ve come to Linfield who have the same expectations so it ticks all the boxes.

“I’ve known the gaffer having played with him for Northern Ireland and at Rangers. We always had that good connection and good relationship as friends. When he gave me the call, it was a no-brainer. I have to thank him for giving me the opportunity.”

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