Kyle Lafferty’s international career has certainly been in the spotlight over the last week. Northern Ireland, however, simply can’t afford to get rid of him.
Several pundits and figures back in Lafferty’s homeland believe the Rangers forward is on a shaky peg. Gerry Armstrong was the latest to weigh in about Michael O’Neill potentially losing patience with him.
So much anger has come from Northern Ireland in recent days because of the call-off. So much so that the FA of the country have decided to stop Lafferty playing for Rangers at Hamilton on Sunday. For those unaware, the Gers forward can’t play at the Hope CBD Stadium due to FIFA’s five-day rule. This allows international sides to halt players from playing for their clubs within a five-day period of an international break ending.
It’s unclear whether the striker would’ve featured regardless. Lafferty dropped out of the Northern Ireland squad with an apparent achilles injury. Steven Gerrard most likely wouldn’t have wanted to risk this on Hamilton’s artificial surface.
Yet, whether Northern Ireland’s football figures agree or not – Lafferty is too important to cut ties with permanently.
The talisman
The Rangers forward has been their talisman for years, and has netted a total of 20 goals in 68 international appearances. Without the forward, Northern Ireland lost both Nations League games to Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina respectively. They looked toothless up front, with Liam Boyce and Will Grigg the back-up strikers.
O’Neill’s reputation has been built at Northern Ireland through Lafferty’s performances. He hasn’t been the only consistent performer in a Northern Ireland jersey in recent years, but he is their talisman.
Without the front-man’s displays, Northern Ireland wouldn’t have qualified for Euro 2016. The huge improvement in the country’s international standing has been hugely influenced by the Rangers striker’s performances.
Whilst there is clearly a falling out that needs resolved, Lafferty won’t be out of international recognition for long. The country simply can’t afford for this to be the case given they lack strength in depth going forward.
This doesn’t make the Gers forward commander in chief. He has to show a strong respect for his national team manager. The whole issue regarding his call-out is riddled with mystery, but it needs sorted.
The late nature of the call-off has annoyed O’Neill the most. If he holds onto the grudge, however, it will strongly be to Northern Ireland’s detriment.
