LAFFERTY LOVING LIFEASHE RETURNS TOACTION
Burgh striker is fighting fit and ready to lift side to promotion
Kyle Lafferty is hoping his injury-hit season will have a silver lining for Johnstone Burgh.
The former Rangers striker is back in action after spending practically the whole campaign recovering from a serious knee injury.
Northern Ireland star Lafferty was one of Burgh’s marquee signings last summer.
However, disaster struck early in the West of Scotland League First Division season when he limped off against Drumchapel United.
The 36-year-old has returned to full fitness just in time to be part of Burgh’s bid to win the Junior Cup and promotion back to the Premier Division.
And Lafferty believes his side can finish the season with a flourish.
He told Express Sport: “I’ve missed a lot of football – I think it was eight-and-ahalf months in total – but I’ve been there for every game and every training session with the lads.
“It’s a really tight group. “The injury was my MCL [medial collateral ligament] and I needed a replacement.
“At my age, it’s not the best injury to pick up!
“But I had a great surgeon, the operation was a success and the club have been brilliant in putting me through my rehabilitation.
“It’s obviously been frustrating but we’ve got players right through the teamsheet who will always step up.
“We’ve picked up some really good results – especially in this cup – but also in the last few league games we’ve had.
“It’s an important two months left of the season.
“We believe we can get to the final and go on and win this competition.
“But in the league, we’ve got games in hand. We’re a few points off top but we know that we’re the best team in the league.
“If we take it one game at a time and put points on the board, then we’re sure we will have a successful end to the season.”
Lafferty was on target at Dunterlie on Sunday as Burgh drew 2-2 with Arthurlie in the first leg of their Junior Cup semi-final.
Mark Docherty opened the scoring for ‘Lie but Lafferty expertly converted a spot-kick leveller.
Conor Bradley made it 2-1 for the Barrhead outfit but Burgh roared back again when ex-Arthurlie ace Dale
Simeon found the back of the net.
The teams will meet again for the Renfrewshire Derby Mk II at Keanie Park on Saturday night (kick-off 5.30pm).
The winners will progress to the final and face either Auchinleck Talbot or Darvel in June’s showpiece which brings an end to the domestic campaign.
“It was a great occasion to be a part of,” Lafferty added of Sunday’s tussle.
“It doesn’t matter what the level is, the semi-final of a national competition is always exciting to play in.
“You don’t change your mind when it comes to penalties – you know where you are going to put it before you get the ball.
“It’s just about hitting the back of the net and it was good to score.”