Kyle Lafferty’s comments on his gambling addiction show how far he’s come in the last year.
It’s now over a year since the Ulsterman made a bet after previously struggling to control himself with gambling. A lack of playing time certainly didn’t help his mind-set, but the Rangers forward is in a better place now.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill yesterday praised his big striker for how he conducts himself nowadays. There’s certainly a more mature player and man in Lafferty than there was several years ago. The fact he’s been able to overcome his gambling demons shows just how responsible and strong a man he’s become.
The Rangers forward opened up on what his plans are now for the future after overcoming his most difficult opponent. Speaking in the Daily Record, Lafferty said the following.
“I have done a year now and it is a long road. I just want to take each day at a time and if I get to the second year then that is obviously another massive milestone.
“It is going to be a long journey but I have got my family and friends around me so that is going to be the most important thing. Of course, I have got someone else’s life to look after now as well. I want to give my daughter the best life possible and I think one of my biggest demons is a good start.
“For the first two or three months there were urges but my wife has been a tremendous help along the way and my family as well.”
A more mature player and man
Through Lafferty’s own conduct these days, you can tell the striker is in a good place. A year of a renaissance at Tynecastle under Craig Levein helped pave the way for his dream move back to Ibrox.
The Northern Irishman endured a frustrating time at Norwich City, and seemed to fall into the abyss. With a family around him now, however, it appears his priorities are on the money.
Lafferty has also turned his attentions to Villarreal tonight. The forward has yet to score a single goal in European football, which is extraordinary given his playing attributes.
The former Hearts and Norwich man will lead the line in Spain tonight, of that there’s no doubt. Alfredo Morelos’ suspension makes it inevitable given Umar Sadiq is nowhere near the side.
Lafferty acknowledged it’s going to be difficult to hurt Villarreal, and he’s probably right. But with the confidence flowing through the whole club at the moment, Rangers shouldn’t be rolled over easily tonight.
