Robinson has the know-how to halt Lafferty
Stephen Robinson studied Kyle Lafferty on a daily basis as part of northern ireland manager Michael o’neill’s coaching staff during the country’s march to the finals of the european Championships two years ago.
Consequently, there is little the striker can do which will surprise the Motherwell boss when Rangers’ latest signing makes the trip to Fir park tomorrow.
Robinson (below) is hoping that his extensive knowledge of the 30-year-old’s ability will work in the Lanarkshire club’s favour.
‘obviously, Rangers felt they needed to strengthen in that position and Laff is a proven goalscorer at this level,’ said the 43-year-old. ‘he has history at Rangers, so i don’t think the move will faze him.
‘he scores goals. he has proved that he scores big goals at this level. We’ll have to be aware of him, but we will be. We’ve played against him many times. As a coach, i know his strengths and also his weaknesses. We have to make sure we stay on top of him and defend well.’
Lafferty’s seven goals during the euro 2016 qualifying campaign were instrumental in ending his nation’s 30-year exile from the finals of a major tournament — and Robinson invited the then norwich City target man to Fir park to help him prepare for the finals in France.
‘i hope he remembers that,’ grinned Robinson. ‘When he was getting ready for the euros, he came up and trained here. the english season had finished earlier and he spent a week working with us.
‘Laff is a good boy and he has got his career back on track. i’m sure he will be delighted with the move. but i need to concentrate solely on what i can do with Motherwell and not worry too much about Rangers.’
Motherwell captain peter hartley spoke with rather too much relish on thursday about the physical challenge Rangers will face tomorrow — insisting he had a laugh when steelmen striker Ryan bowman broke Fabio Cardoso’s nose last season — but Robinson accepts that the game will be keenly contested.
‘in terms of the physical aspect of Kyle’s game, we will be up for that,’ he said. ‘We have to be up for that to match it. he’s got other strings to his bow, as do our players. i’m sure it will be a battle but i’m also sure it’s one that our boys can win.’
Lafferty has endured more than his share of off-field problems in the past but Robinson believes that, as he enters the veteran stage of his career, the striker has managed to get back on the straight and narrow. ‘he is somebody i kept in touch with after the euros and vice versa,’ said the manager. ‘he’s somebody i am close to and have a lot of respect for. ‘You would like to think he’s more mature now. he works hard. he’s somebody whose reputation goes before him but, when he goes on to the pitch, he is second to none. i worked with him for six weeks solid in the euros and he never caused me a moment’s trouble. he has got a young baby now. he’s settled down and matured.
‘but, as i say, that closeness will go out the window on sunday. We will make sure we are right on top of him, or whoever plays for Rangers. it won’t just be the Kyle Lafferty show. We want to make it very much about Motherwell.
‘i’m not getting too excited about Rangers. i’ve wondered if we’re actually playing in this game, with some of the coverage. i haven’t concentrated on (steven) Gerrard and what Rangers are going to do and what players they have signed.
‘We’re aware of them but there’s certainly no fear factor.’