Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Kyle Lafferty 'desperate' to face Celtic as Derek McInnes reveals 'star jumps and breakfast' plea

Kilmarnock forward Kyle Lafferty is so desperate to play against Celtic on Saturday that he's been doing 'star jumps' at Rugby Park.

That is according to Killie boss Derek McInnes who admitted the former Rangers hitman is vying for a starting spot when the Ayshire outfit face off against Ange Postecoglou's men at Hampden. It will be a Viaplay Cup semi-final for Killie against the holders, after McInnes' men lost 2-0 at Parkhead in league action last weekend. Jota and an Ash Taylor own goal were the difference in that meeting but it will count for nothing as the two sides get set to square-off once again at the national stadium.

The 35-year-old has been missing for Killie since he was slapped with a hefty ten-game ban by the Scottish FA But now the forward is available for selection and his club boss admits he's been reminding him of his presence in the build-up to Saturday.

READ MORE: Derek McInnes' Celtic semi-final masterplan as Kilmarnock boss keen to avoid 'can't breathe' scenario

He said: "He was doing star jumps outside my office this morning and brought me breakfast so I know how much he wants to play - how much all my players want to play.

"He's bursting to get involved and its been torture for him missing out. For any player you can accept having to miss out with long-term injuries but Kyle has not been injured.

"He's been really supportive, been at every game - except Celtic Park on Saturday - supporting the team. He's still got a big role to play in and around the dressing room.

"We need him now on the pitch to play a big role until the end of the season...Everybody is bursting to play - Kyle included."

READ NEXT:

- Stephen Welsh Celtic transfer exit option emerges with Hajduk Split 'monitoring' defender

- Derek McInnes' Celtic semi-final masterplan as Kilmarnock boss keen to avoid 'can't breathe' scenario

- Cho Gue-sung Celtic transfer hype accelerates as Hoops 'outbid' big competition for South Korean star

- Scott Brown hails Fleetwood Town 'legacy' as Celtic hero gushes over FA Cup triumph

- Ange Postecoglou Celtic VAR blast as he insists Connor Goldson derby handball was as blatant as a Joe Hart save

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.