David Healy admits Kyle Lafferty can be “a pain in the a**e” at times but says signing the controversial striker was an easy decision to make.
The Linfield boss handed Lafferty his debut against Cliftonville at a raucous Windsor Park on Saturday, with the Blues faithful turning out in their droves to welcome the 89-times capped Northern Ireland star to south Belfast.
And while the 35-year-old looked rusty at times, he played his part in helping the Blues to a vital 1-0 victory over their title rivals, secured by a Kris Lowe own goal.
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Healy, who played alongside Lafferty for both Rangers and Northern Ireland, said: “Bringing Kyle in was an easy one, he’s somebody I’ve known for going on nearly 20 years, somebody I’ve always had respect for as a player.
“Kyle had a huge hand in Northern Ireland qualifying for Euro 2016, albeit that was a few years ago.
“He’s had an incredible journey in his playing career.
“He’s a good personality; he’s daft at times of course but he brings a good understanding of dressing-rooms.
“I’ve no doubt in Kyle’s ability, I’ve no doubt he’ll improve and he’ll prove a good signing towards the end of the season.”
Linfield snapped Lafferty up for free, with the Fermanagh man having departed Scottish top flight club Kilmarnock after serving a ten-game ban for uttering a sectarian slur on a night out.
His talent comes with baggage but Healy (inset) is optimistic about getting the best out of his former strike partner.
“I know the ability he has. He’ll have better games that what he had against Cliftonville.
“He’s probably not been at his fluent best for a number of months now and he had to soak up his ban.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for Kyle. He’s a pain in the a**e at times, and by his own admission, he’s made basic mistakes and human errors but that doesn’t diminish his playing ability.
“The buzz in and around training since he’s come in has been good.”
Linfield keeper Chris Johns - named man of the match on Saturday - concurred, stating: “There’s definitely been a bit of a lift from Kyle coming in.
“He’s got 89 caps for Northern Ireland and you want to impress someone like that in training.
“He’s a good character and a nice fella so he’s a joy to play with. He’s been brilliant.
“The atmosphere against Cliftonville was his effect I suppose; hopefully the crowds can keep coming in now.
“There was brilliant support, and there has been all season.
“Those three points were very important so hopefully they’ll add up to something at the end of the season.”
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