Mccann ‘looking up’ to Lafferty as striker goes the extra mile

Dunfermline succumbed to the brilliance of Kyle Lafferty in Kilmarnock.

However, that has done nothing to assuage Lewis Mccann’s admiration for the ex-rangers and Hearts star.

The Pars suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at Rugby Park last weekend, with Lafferty bagging a brace.

His stunning bicyclekick to secure all three points was a moment of unbridled inspiration.

And Mccann — a similarly languid, imposing figure who also represents Northern Ireland at international level — admits he aspires to reach the levels hit by the Windsor Park hero.

“Kyle Lafferty is a great player,” said Mccann.

“I’ve watched him for a while and he’s a top footballer.

“He’s technical, big and isn’t scared to get physical.

“And, as we saw last weekend, he’s got the acrobatics in his locker!

“He’s someone I do look up to, and I hope I get there one day.

“If I can do half of what he has done with Northern Ireland, that wouldn’t be bad. He’s had some career.”

Indeed, Lafferty boasts 20 goals in 85 appearances for his country, has won seven major honours and turned out for the likes of Burnley, Norwich City and Palermo.

Mccann is acutely aware that, in order to climb the ladder to anything like that degree, he must find a clinical edge to accompany his undeniable physicality and tireless work ethic.

And he is putting in the graft on a daily basis.

“I’d like to improve on the technical side of things,” said Mccann.

“Especially being more composed when I go through on goal. It’s something I’m working on with the coaches every day. It’s just about putting that into a match-day.

“Steven Whittaker and Greg Shields are great with me. If there’s no goalie, they’ll do things like putting a mini-goal in the bottom corner – and none of your goals count unless you hit that target.

“There are different drills – maybe a wee skill followed by a shot, or holding someone off then getting a shot away – all designed to give me that confidence going into a match-day.”

Mccann will seek to add to his goal tally of three when Partick Thistle visit East End Park tomorrow, with Dunfermline three points adrift of the guaranteed safety of eighth spot.

“We’re not in the best position and it’s a reality check,” added Mccann.

“I don’t think I realised how much pressure you are under, from the fans’ expectations, to the gaffer’s expectations, to the various coaches’ expectations.

“But, going forward, knowing that I can handle that...probably means I can handle anything!”

Lewis Mccann has scored three goals this season.