Lafferty vows to quash critics

Striker aware of expectations

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd December 2008

Lafferty vows to quash critics

Lafferty: Tough times

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Kyle Lafferty is determined to silence his detractors and prove his worth to a sceptical Rangers fan base.

The Northern Ireland international joined the Gers in a £3.5million switch from Burnley over the summer.

However, that price tag has weighed heavy on his shoulders and he is yet to live up to lofty expectations at Ibrox.

He has been hampered by a string of niggling injuries, but insists his confidence has not been dented by a shaky start and remains confident in his ability to be a success in Scotland.

Advice

"I've been criticised quite a lot but it isn't going to get me down," Lafferty told Rangers News.

"If anything, it makes me stronger and makes me want to prove to the fans I can do a job. I want to show the people out there who are doubting me that Rangers do have a good player on their hands.

"All I have to do is work hard and keep listening to the people around me. If I take their advice, I'm hopeful of doing well.

"I want to prove that people who have knocked me are wrong. I believe I can. The people close to me believe that too."

Lafferty has found the target just twice for the Gers this term, but believes he should be given more time to adapt to his illustrious new surroundings.

Pressure

"I didn't really think too much about how much money had been paid for me to begin with," added the 21-year-old.

"I had started pretty well when I was on the field.

"But after I had a little more injuries and I began to spend a lot of time on the bench, people started to highlight how much Rangers had paid for me.

"Some were putting pressure on me and I think they're forgetting I'm still quite young and that I'm learning the game.

"I'm not using that as an excuse, it's just true. I've been a pro for a little over three years, but last season was my first when I've played more than I've been on the bench.

"Even at that, I wasn't playing in my best position up front because Burnley used me out on the left instead.

"In the long run, I'm sure training with the players here and working with the coaching staff will help me improve as a player."