Northern Ireland v Netherlands

KYLE LAFFERTY

Position Striker Date Of Birth 16.09.1987 Place Of Birth Enniskillen

STRIKER

Height 193cm Weight 69kg

CLUB RECORD 48 SQUAD NO

“It was heartbreaking,” admitted Lafferty. “We put in a fantastic shift and to go so close and lose 3-1 so late on was a hard one to take.” Northern Ireland need maximum points from their remaining two games to have an outside chance of qualifying automatically, although a play-off in March remains a live prospect. “A win in Rotterdam would have left us needing a point against the Dutch in Belfast to qualify, but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way,” said Lafferty. “We basically need to win our last two group games and see where that takes us. But if we don’t qualify automatically, hopefully we will have a play-off to look forward to.” Lafferty, who left Rangers in May, opted to add another country to his globetrotting CV when he joined relegation- threatened Norwegian top flight (Eliteserien) side Sarpsborg 08 on a short-term contract at the end of August. The 32-year-old has scored one goal in seven appearances for Sarpsborg who now lie just a single point above the dropzone with two league fixtures to play. They face two mid-table sides in their remaining league matches this season. They are due to take on Haugesund at home on 24 November and they are away to Lillestrom on 1 December. “The move suited me and I’ve been playing regular football,” he said. “I would have preferred to have scored a few more goals, but my overall performances have been good. “I’m also feeling fitter. When you’re without a club you can go for as many 10k runs as you like but it’s all about match fitness and I’ve got that at Sarpsborg.” As for the future, Lafferty - who has also played in Turkey, Italy and Switzerland - isn’t ruling out staying in Norway next season. “First and foremost, the main aim is to help keep the club in the top division,” he said. “If that happens, maybe there’s room to talk because I’ve enjoyed my time in Norway so far.”

CLUBS Burnley

83

Darlington (loan)

9

Rangers

104

Sion

25 34 31 14 37 19 6

Palermo

Norwich City

Çaykur Rizespor (loan) Birmingham City (loan) Heart of Midlothian

Rangers

Sarpsborg 08

6

Caps 75 Goals 20 INTERNATIONAL RECORD 10 SQUAD NO Debut 21.05.2006 v Uruguay Lost 0-1

Northern Ireland U17 Northern Ireland U19 Northern Ireland U21

5 6 2

41

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