Cats announce striker departure after short-term deal comes to an end

Kyle Lafferty has left Sunderland after his short-term deal expired.

The Northern Ireland international joined in January to aid the push for promotion from League One.

With Charlie Wyke firmly established as Phil Parkinson’s first choice in the position, chances for the 32-year-old were limited.

He did make a major impression when finally getting his first start for the club, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham on March 7.

That was the club’s penultimate game before the campaign was postponed and ultimately curtailed.

The announcement of his departure makes it highly unlikely that he will return to the Stadium of Light.

Lafferty had turned down interest from abroad to move to the north east.

A club statement said: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Kyle Lafferty has left the club.

“After signing a shortterm deal at the Stadium of Light in January, the 32-year-old striker went on to score two goals in 11 appearances for the Lads.

“Everyone at SAFC would like to wish Kyle the best of luck for the future.”

Lafferty is the second player to leave, with Tommy Smith also coming towards the end of his deal.

CEO Jim Rodwell said the club will look to step up talks with players that they wish to keep in the coming weeks, with eight further players currently set to leave on June 30.

Sunderland will also have to make a decision on Bailey

Wright and Josh Scowen, who joined in January and will be free agents from the start of July.

Meanwhile, Kevin Phillips has made no secret of his desire to enter the world of management – and seen his odds for the vacant Birmingham City job plummet.

While he still remains an outsider at 20/1, the former Sunderland striker has received some backing in recent days with his odds drastically dropping as a result.

Birmingham are searching for a new manager following the departure of Pep Clotet, with Charlton Athletic chief Lee Bowyer the current favourite.

Phillips is still awaiting his maiden managerial role, but has experience as a coach at both Derby County and Stoke City.