Kyle Lafferty

[ascender 352]

He's just never looked good enough apart from some very brief flashes towards the end of the season. But even then, it wasn't brief flashes of something special like you'd see from a typical flair player, it was brief moments of him doing what you'd expect from a striker.

 

I still think the guy needs to grow up a bit both on and off the park. He is young and we've paid a lot of money for him, you also have the problem that he was possibly playing out of position (or was he, as no-one seems to know what his preferred position actually is). He looks awkward with the ball at his feet, especially running at players, but I guess that's typical for such a tall, lanky guy. So why is he playing wide then?

 

I don't think he's been a scapegoat at all, I think he's just been really disappointing and I really don't like the way he goes down so dramatically at the slightest of touches, or no touch at all. If it was an opposition player we'd all be up in arms about it. I know we're a fickle bunch, but after his goals at the end of the season, it was as if we'd forgotten just how rank awful he'd been leading up to that point in how many more games previously? It was also a bit weird, because as I said before, its not as if he'd suddenly transformed in to some amazing striker. He scored some goals. He was also still seen to blooter the ball in to row Z just as many times as usual or mis-control it or give possession away.

 

I hope he comes good, but on the evidence so far its going to be an uphill struggle for him. We've not signed anyone yet, but we're being linked with strikers which makes me think he's going to drop down the pecking order further this season.

[Frankie 8,693]

Agree with that very fair analysis Mike.

 

Lafferty does possess something - we've seen it for Rangers and NI on occasion - but he simply can't provide it consistently. The dilemma we have is whether or not we stand by him or find someone who can do it all the time.

 

I'd suggest our pursuit of Jelavic and Welcome means Lafferty's time at Rangers may be up.

[Super_Ally 0]

I don't think Lafferty gets a hard time at all, considering his contribution to date. IF anything Lafferty is given far more leeway by the fans (as a generalisation) than some of his more succesful team mates and former team mates.

 

Some fans are desperate to see him succeed and so talk him up more than is justified based on what he has done at the club. But that is not necessarily a bad thing and all players should enjoy such fervent backing.