Lafferty finding comfort with Kilmarnock after suffering family tragedy

Life assumed a new perspective for Kyle Lafferty after burying his sister. Devastated by 41-year-old Sonia’s untimely death last November, he has found some contentment at Kilmarnock and feels inspired by her watching over him.

Ten goals in nine appearances since joining the Ayrshire club in February indicate that the former Hearts striker is thriving professionally despite the personal tragedy.

Lafferty’s most enthusiastic supporter, Sonia frequently fought his corner on social media. Her ill-health and subsequent passing hit him hard, and every time he ripples a net she is firmly in his thoughts.

“She is my biggest fan, without a shadow of a doubt. She has always been there,” says the Northern Irishman.

“The amount of times I would pick up my phone or text her and say: ‘Sonia, stay off Twitter, people are going to say bad things about me. Just ignore them.’ She would be having a battle with them.

“She would never let anyone say anything bad about me and not having her around going to every game ... I’ve got her name on my wrist now.

"Everything I do, I will be thinking about her and every goal I score I will dedicate it to her and my family.

"She managed to see me live my dream of playing for Northern Ireland and Rangers. I am delighted she managed to see me do that.

“I really do think about her every single time I step out onto the pitch and every time I score a goal.

"I feel like she’s up there cheering.

"I go into games wanting to put in performances for her and I think, if I help Kilmarnock stay in the league, it’s something she’ll be proud of me for doing.”

Lafferty was playing in Italy with Reggina at the time of Sonia’sdeath.hereturnedto Scotland three months ago to help Kilmarnock’s relegation fight, but football pales into insignificance when compared to his family’s emotions.

“It was difficult for me and my family at the time. My wife was very close to my sister so it affected her too,” he says.

“Football is my job and I need to try and produce the highest performance every day in training and in games.

"But first and foremost family is the most important thing to everyone.

"With Sonia she lived to see me live my dream. She passed away a happy person.”

Lafferty feels comforted being back in Scotland with his family and playing under compatriot Tommy Wright, the Kilmarnock manager.

He will consider staying at Rugby Park beyond the end of his contract this month.

“I’ve known from a young age that if you are happy off the pitch you will perform on the pitch,” he explains.

“But, me being me, I have always done daft stuff and concentrated on football second to other things.

“I am happy here and outside football I am living in my own home, I don’t have to travel for hours for games or training.

"I came to Kilmarnock because it ticked a lot of boxes for me.

"Knowing the manager and the faith and trust he put into me made me want to reward him with goals.

“I will try and stay in Scotland, that’s my aim [next season].

"I’ve done enough travelling abroad and being away from my wife and kids.

"I will try to stay in Scotland and if that’s Kilmarnock then I will be absolutely delighted because I have loved every single day I’ve been here with the lads and the manager.”