Kyle Lafferty named on bench in cup clash on his Kilmarnock return

Kilmarnock have named returning striker Kyle Lafferty on the bench for Saturday’s fourth round Scottish Cup clash at home to Dundee United.

Manager Derek McInnes has brought the Northern Ireland player in on a short-term deal until the end of the season. 

Lafferty returns to Rugby Park after spell away in Cyprus with Anorthosis Famagusta The striker bagged 13 goals in as many games for the Ayrshire side last season when they were relegated.

His task is to help fire Killie back to the Scottish Premiership as they are currently four points behind leaders Arbroath with 15 games to play.

On signing for the club he said “It’s a great feeling to be back at Kilmarnock, I feel I have unfinished business here. 

“The last time I played here we were relegated, which was a low point in my career so to get the opportunity to fix that and get Killie promoted back to the Premiership is something I’m excited about.

“I’m a huge admirer of Derek and his work at Aberdeen and getting the chance to work with him is really exciting.

“Where he wants to take the club and how he saw me fitting in ticked all the boxes for me.”

Lafferty has won over 80 caps for Northern Ireland and on the signing new Kilmarnock boss McInnes said “I’m delighted to get Kyle on board and I think he’ll give us personality, presence and experience. 

“We were looking for added goal threat and Kyle has been here before and done well.

“From speaking to him, he wanted to help Kilmarnock get back to the Premiership. He’s someone I’ve tried to work with before at different times and for one reason or another, we haven’t been able to do it.

“I want him to be a real positive influence on the team and I’m thrilled to get him on board to help us with our targets for the season.”

Lafferty will wear the number 28 shirt at the club.

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 22, 2022