Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright has explained why former Rangers star Kyle Lafferty didn’t feature in the recent Premiership fixture between the two clubs [Kilmarnockfc.co.uk].
Lafferty was expected to make his Killie debut at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon after signing a short-term deal the previous day, but while he was spotted in the stands during the game, he was a no show on the pitch.
In the 33-year-old’s absence, the Ayrshire club failed to score for the fourth successive game as Ryan Jack’s stunning 38th-minute volley secured all three points for the hosts.
“At the other end of the pitch we are lacking a little bit of cutting edge,” said Wright [Kilmarnock.co.uk]. “The Rangers game came too early for Lafferty.”
“It was the end of December he last did something. He did a training session on Friday and I felt for his sake it was better to give him the full week’s training.”
Lafferty, who splits opinion amongst Rangers supporters, played 164 times for the club across two spells, scoring 42 goals.
His first stint between 2008 and 2012 was trophy-laden, with the Northern Irishman helping the Gers to six major honours. However, his one-season second spell that ended in 2019 was unsuccessful.
Since leaving Ibrox for the second time, Lafferty has represented Sarpsborg, Sunderland and most recently, Italian second division side Reggina, and is now tasked with dragging Kilmarnock to safety.
Based on Wright’s comments, the striker is likely to finally make his Killie debut at Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon.
Another former Rangers striker is currently in limbo following his release from an overseas club in December.
