Lafferty will use fear factor

Lafferty: Will he be celebrating against San Marino

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  • Kyle Lafferty

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Kyle Lafferty admits the fear of failure will provide his motivation when Northern Ireland tackle San Marino on Wednesday.

With the Ulstermen having taken just one point from their opening three fixtures in 2010 World Cup qualifying, the pressure is mounting on Nigel Worthington's side.

Three points against the minnows of San Marino are therefore a must if they harbour any ambitions of getting their campaign back on track.

Lafferty, and striker partner David Healy, will be expected to be among the goals at Windsor Park and the Rangers man is all too aware of the expectancy placed on his shoulders.

Experience

Lafferty said: "If you are not performing, you have to be aware the manager could drop you. He has to do what is best for the team.

"There are other good strikers in the squad. Warren (Feeney), for a start, has a lot of experience.

"I know if I am not playing well I should not be in the team as I am no help to anyone.

"But it goes without saying I will always give my best and try to score as I want to take Northern Ireland to the finals."

Fresh

Lafferty has endured a frustrating start to life in Scotland following a summer switch from Burnley, blighted by niggling back and hamstring injuries, but believes he is beginning to rediscover his sharpness.

He said: "I am feeling much fitter now and getting in a full game against Slovenia (2-0 defeat on Saturday) did me the world of good.

"I feel I will be fresh for the San Marino match as well and hopefully my injuries are behind me.

"I do not think my career at Rangers has started yet with the problems I have had. Perhaps my luck is about to change."

Thrashed

Lafferty accepts that Northern Ireland will be expected to dispose of San Marino in midweek with ease, but has warned against complacency.

"San Marino are not getting thrashed on a regular basis anymore," he said.

"All we can do is go out, play our normal game and hopefully the goals will come.

"We were down on Saturday after losing to Slovenia but all that disappointment is out of our system and we are ready to go again."