Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A WR IG H T L A F F
Kyle playing with .smile on his face thanks to faith put him by Killie manager Tommy
KYLE LAFFERTY reckons his explosive form is down to the faith shown in him by Tommy Wright.
But it’s not enough for the striker just to help save Kilmarnock’s skins.
Lafferty wants to enjoy good times again. Be part of a club which isn’t fighting at the bottom to avoid disaster.
And the 33-year-old has confirmed that club could well be Killie.
Lafferty’s magnificent run of form since arriving at Rugby Park has helped the Ayrshire outfit find real momentum at a vital time in the term.
Wright has transformed the team’s performances and mood and capturing his countryman is proving to be a masterstroke.
Lafferty has hammered 10 goals in his last six games with the latest treble against Dundee United lifting his team out of the bottom two with just three games of the league season to go.it’s been a priceless contribution, yet he says it’s down to belief.
Lafferty explained: “I knew the manager before I came here, having worked with him in the Northern Ireland set-up. I’ve always had a good relationship with Tommy. I can have a bit of banter with him and he enjoys it a bit with me as well.
“He makes me feel wanted and he’s put a lot of trust in me, which is a big thing. I had a similar relationship with Michael O’neill when he managed the national team and he got the best out of me as well. The more trust a manager puts in me, the more I’ll repay him.”
It’s part of the reason why Lafferty can see himself staying. Naturally, the first job is to ensure the club are playing top-flight football next term.
However, if Wright does keep Killie up, he’s already suggested he’ll make it his business to try and keep the attacker on board.
Lafferty fancies the idea as he stated: “I would 100 per cent be prepared to stay here if we can stay up.
“Once we’re certain to avoid relegation, I’ll be more than happy to sit down with the owners and the manager to work something out.
“That’s 10 goals now and getting into double figures so quickly after coming here is obviously good for me on a personal level, but none of that will matter if we don’t stay in this division.”