Source: Team_Talk
Lafferty confident of filling Boyd gap
Kyle Lafferty is sure he can fill the gap left by Kris Boyd at Rangers - and he wants to get in the goalscoring habit for Northern Ireland.[LNB] Lafferty scored five goals in seven games at the tail end of the campaign to silence some of his critics at Ibrox and the departure of Boyd has opened a window of opportunity for the 22-year-old to nail down a regular spot up front.[LNB]He said: "I know it's a loss for Rangers with Kris going but hopefully I will get a chance to play up front and score goals.[LNB]"You have to take your chance at Rangers. I would like to think I can step up to the challenge."[LNB]Lafferty believes he can only improve under the stewardship of former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist,Walter Smith's right-hand man.[LNB]"Having Ally about in the backroom staff at Rangers has helped me develop," he said.[LNB]"You always learn from people like that who have a phenomenal goals tally.[LNB]"You need heart to wear the Rangers jersey and Ally still has that. His enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. All the coaching staff have been a big help."[LNB]Next up for Lafferty, though, is a warm-up game ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers for Northern Ireland who face Montenegro on Wednesday in Podgorica.[LNB]The hosts were anxious to face British opposition as they have been drawn against England and Wales in the campaign.[LNB]Lafferty, who has scored seven goals in 24 appearances for Northern Ireland, said: "Montenegro will be a good, hard-working side. They will be well organised but it is about how we perform.[LNB]"I have have had a bit of an injury so this game should boost my fitness. Hopefully I can get 90 minutes under my belt and score some goals."[LNB]Manager Nigel Worthington has named a number of inexperienced players in his squad, the youngest of which is 17-year-old Johnny Gorman.[LNB]He combines studying at Repton School by playing for Wolves' academy side and has already made two appearances under Worthington.[LNB]Uncapped Manchester United midfielder Oliver Norwood is also included as is his team-mate Corry Evans, brother of Jonny.[LNB]World Cup finalists Slovenia are the first test in the qualifiers and Lafferty believes the future is bright at international level.[LNB]He said: "We definitely have what it takes to qualify for a major tournament.[LNB]"There are older heads and talented younger players in the squad and we have the right combination to achieve our target.[LNB]"The young lads like Corry and Olly can prove to Nigel they have a future in the international side. Along with Johnny they can show the manager just how good they are.[LNB]"This is a brilliant squad and I believe we can qualify and give the manager, players and especially the fans something to shout about."
