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. 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.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."You have to take your chance at Rangers. I would like to think I can step up to the challenge."Lafferty believes he can only improve under the stewardship of former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist,Walter Smith's right-hand man."Having Ally about in the backroom staff at Rangers has helped me develop," he said."You always learn from people like that who have a phenomenal goals tally."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."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.The hosts were anxious to face British opposition as they have been drawn against England and Wales in the campaign.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."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."Manager Nigel Worthington has named a number of inexperienced players in his squad, the youngest of which is 17-year-old Johnny Gorman.He combines studying at Repton School by playing for Wolves' academy side and has already made two appearances under Worthington.Uncapped Manchester United midfielder Oliver Norwood is also included as is his team-mate Corry Evans, brother of Jonny.World Cup finalists Slovenia are the first test in the qualifiers and Lafferty believes the future is bright at international level.He said: "We definitely have what it takes to qualify for a major tournament."There are older heads and talented younger players in the squad and we have the right combination to achieve our target."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."This is a brilliant squad and I believe we can qualify and give the manager, players and especially the fans something to shout about."

Source: Team_Talk