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David Healy tips Kyle Lafferty to shine for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016

Kyle Lafferty scored seven goals in the European Qualifiers for Northern Ireland
Image: Kyle Lafferty scored seven goals in the European Qualifiers for Northern Ireland

David Healy has backed Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty to flourish at Euro 2016 and close the gap on his all-time goals record.

The 28-year-old netted seven times in qualification to fire Michael O'Neill's men to a first major tournament since 1986.

Despite being used sparingly by Norwich this season, and ending the campaign on loan at Birmingham, Lafferty will carry Northern Ireland's hopes on his shoulders in France.

Healy played with Lafferty at international level and when both were at Rangers, and he reckons O'Neill has brought out the best in the former Burnley forward.

"He's got all the talent in the world; he's an international talent and I know because I played with him for Northern Ireland and spent 13 months in Glasgow with him at Rangers," Healy said.

"He was one that Michael turned around. He had a disappointing campaign in the previous campaign and then spoke to Michael. He made him aware of his responsibilities and you can see the change in Kyle's attitude.

Kyle Lafferty (l) and David Healy played together at club level as well
Image: Lafferty (left) and David Healy played together at club level as well

"He was a big success story, scored seven goals in qualifying and was one of the main reasons why Northern Ireland qualified.

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"Kyle will relish it going into the Euros, he's fit and free from injury and can be the marksman. Northern Ireland should be going there with no pressure and will hopefully enjoy it.

"It's the first time a team from pot five actually topped the [qualifying] group so they should be full of confidence with nothing to fear."

As he closes on a 50th cap, Lafferty stands second on the all-time goals list, 20 behind Healy, with the two sharing a similar goals-per-game ratio.

David Healy has scored more goals for Northern Ireland than any other player
Image: Healy has scored more goals for Northern Ireland than any other player

Should Lafferty eventually surpass his old colleague's total, Healy will be among the most delighted supporters.

"Records are there to be broken," Healy said.

"I was fortunate enough to play for Northern Ireland but I grew up in Belfast supporting Northern Ireland so I want people to achieve good things for Northern Ireland.

"Kyle's in the process of hopefully denting my goal-scoring record. He might beat it, he might not beat it, but I certainly wish him well."

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