LAFFERTY IS OUR TALISMAN Elliott delighted as striker returns to the fold

FORMER Northern Ireland winger Stuart Elliott believes Kyle Lafferty’s return to the national set-up is a “huge boost” for the forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

Many feared Lafferty’s days in a green shirt were numbered when he pulled out of last month’s double header in Vienna and Sarajevo at late notice.

But following a frank chat with boss Michael O’neill, the Rangers striker is back on board for this week’s games against the Republic of Ireland and Austria.

Elliott, an ex-international team-mate of the Ibrox star, said: “I do think we missed Kyle against Austria and the Bosnians, so for me it’s a real positive he’s back in the squad.

“If we’re being honest, it wasn’t very professional how he handled things last month, but from a football point of view it’s crucial he remains part of our plans.

“He is only 31, he’s at a big club and he still has a lot to offer. For the next couple of campaigns, we need a fit and focused Kyle Lafferty in the squad.

“That’s no disrespect to our other strikers, but in past campaigns Kyle has been our talisman and hopefully he can be that again.”

Elliott, who starred in Northern Ireland’s famous 1-0 win over England 13 years ago, rates the other strikers at O’neill’s disposal, but believes Lafferty offers something different.

“Kyle gives us that extra little bit of pace,” he said. “He is the kind of player who can run the channels and hold the ball up. He also wins fouls and makes things happen in the box.

“He can be a real handful and for a big man he’s quick, so I’m really glad he’s available again. He certainly bolsters Michael’s attacking options.”

Ultimately, Elliott hopes his former international team-mate’s recent talks with O’neill help refocus him for the Euro 2020 qualifiers which kick off in March. Lafferty famously bagged seven goals en route to the Euro 2016 finals in France, but has now gone 10 internationals and two years without a goal.

“Michael will be hoping we get a big Euro campaign out of him,” said Elliott.

“I’m one of Kyle’s biggest fans and I’ve always believed he has all the attributes to be a top, top player, but I do think sometimes he switches off.

“Sometimes he could go that little bit further and I only say that because I really believe in him. Remember, I played alongside him, so I know his full potential.

“The fact

Michael has had a frank discussion with him will hopefully gee him up a bit. I hope he reacts positively to that and does something special in the next campaign.”

Elliott, now running a successful coffee shop Chocoa in Ballymena alongside wife Laura-lee, is confident Northern Ireland’s senior players won’t have any issues with Lafferty’s return.

O’neill ensured he consulted the likes of captain Steven Davis before bringing Lafferty back for Thursday’s friendly in Dublin and Sunday’s final Nations League fixture with Austria at Windsor Park.

“It won’t be an issue,” said Elliott. “Kyle is a character, but he’s not a vindictive person.

“As an ex-professional, you have to say it wasn’t great what happened last month, but I do think it’ll be forgotten about very quickly. Their full focus will be on this week’s games.”