Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Lafferty reveals he rejected Championship offers for Johnstone Burgh move

Kyle Lafferty has revealed he turned down interest from the Championship to sign for Johnstone Burgh.

The former Rangers and Hearts striker, 35, penned a two-year deal with the seventh-tier Scottish club on Thursday.

It sees Lafferty link up with fellow former Rangers ace Graham Dorrans.

And Lafferty has revealed he turned down interest from a much higher level to sign up for the project.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the striker said: "I was given offers in the Championship, League One and League Two in England.

"But I've been away from home, been away from my kids and my wife for a massive part of their lives and I think I just had to stop being selfish and be at home when the kids want me to be and drop them off at school and stuff like that.

"I think I owe it to them to be based in Scotland again and watch them grow up.

"I'm going to be 36 in September, I've signed here for two years and I'm going to see out my contract here. Once those two years are done and if I feel good and the club wants to keep me longer then I'll be happy to. 

"If an offer comes along and the club wants to look at it then obviously it's up to them but I'll be happy here."

Lafferty went on to admit he's expecting a frosty reception at some grounds but it's nothing new for him in Scotland.

He explained: "I'm pretty sure I'll get welcomed in some places. I'm pretty sure I've been booed at every Scottish ground I've played at!

"It's part of the job, half the fans will love you, half the fans will hate you."

And on possible heavy treatment from opposition defenders he added: "I'm used to it; people getting in my ear, giving me an odd punch or a nip but I'm big enough to look after myself on the pitch.

"If anyone has seen me play you'll know I'm not shy of an elbow or a tussle."


The Rangers Review team is taking the hugely-popular morning briefing LIVE at New Edmiston House on July 28.

And, we're delighted to announce that none other than Barry Ferguson will join our top team of Jonny McFarlane, Joshua Barrie, Stevie Clifford and Derek Clark.

The doors will open at 6.30pm giving you time to grab a beer or soft drink before we head into an hour of debate and chat ahead of the new season; expect new signing assessments, tactical analysis, predictions and the usual banter. Then, Derek will host an exclusive chat with Barry, gaining insight into his two trophy-laden spells at the club and his take on Michael Beale's rebuild.

Tickets start at just £21.50 and can be purchased HERE.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.