Kilmarnock fans have lauded former Rangers star Kyle Lafferty after his latest stunning display for the relegation-threatened Premiership club.
Lafferty, who played 164 times and scored 40 goals for the Gers across two spells at Ibrox, joined Killie in February on a short-term deal after a stint in Italy with Reggina ended early.
Lafferty’s deal at Reggina was terminated by mutual consent in January. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
He made an immediate impact at Rugby Park, notching an assist in a 1-1 draw with Dundee United in his first start.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
The Northern Ireland international was unlucky not to score in that game but the goals have started to flow since then.
He netted a brace in a 3-2 defeat to Ross County at the beginning of the month and then, after a weekend off, he returned with a bang against Motherwell on Saturday afternoon.
Lafferty scored in the first minute in Ayrshire as his left-footed effort from outside the area escaped Liam Kelly’s clutches and found the top right corner.
The towering forward then went on to play a role in his side’s second goal, scored by Rory McKenzie, before assisting Mitchell Pinnock seven minutes from time as the hosts ran out 4-1 winners.
The former Rangers star produced another stunning display for Kilmarnock. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Plenty of Killie supporters were delighted with Lafferty’s efforts and praised him heavily on social media after the game, with some imploring their club to sign him up to a longer-term deal.
Here’s a selection of reactions to his Man of the Match performance:
Magnificent performance,played for the jersey
— David Leishman (@Davekfc1010) March 20, 2021
Love him already. Chased everything down even when on a booking and looking in a bit of pain. Exactly what we need!
— All good stuff (@Specific_Beef) March 20, 2021
Done more for Killie in a month than Brophy did all season, get him signed on.
— Stephen Hill (@Agito2008) March 20, 2021
1st half edgy. 2nd half fantastic. Kyle Lafferty you have my heart. The difference a good striker makes.
— Kenny Wilson (@kennyboyamdaman) March 20, 2021
Wonder if @mstewart_23 still thinks Kyle Lafferty hasn't had an impact at Killie. 🤔🤔😆😆🤡🤡🤡
— Gordon Valentine (@gordon_val37) March 21, 2021
The love for Kyle Lafferty is real right now. When we've been close there's been 1 player to dig us out each time. Boyd, Magennis and Kevin Kyle have went before – if we stay up it'll be Lafferty that does it.
— Rab Campbell (@KillieBoaby) March 20, 2021
So glad for Everyone with that 4-1 victory for @KilmarnockFC today. We really needed it. Kyle Lafferty tremendous for us again. So much energy,enthusiasm and a worthy MOTM. We’ve still to earn the right to stay in this league.Lets all stick together and support our team🤞 pic.twitter.com/QMll0aQnzV
— Raymond Montgomerie (@ray_montgomerie) March 20, 2021
Special mention for Kyle Lafferty, what a tremendous attitude and plays like it means something, great signing and is captain material #intommywetrust
— Sandy Armour (@killiehippo) March 20, 2021
Kyle Lafferty is the man 💙 top class from him #browningsmotm
— Connor (@_ConnorDuncan) March 20, 2021
The win took Kilmarnock off the bottom of the table, but they are only a point above Hamilton Accies and one behind tenth-placed Ross County.
Lafferty isn’t the only former Rangers striker impressing right now, though, with another on fire in a European top-flight league.