Kyle Lafferty has opened up on the 10-game ban he served for use of sectarian language while on duty for Northern Ireland last year.
Lafferty only returned to action for Kilmarnock last month following the hefty suspension, but was a surprise departure from Rugby Park on deadline day after showdown talks with the Scottish club's board.
The 35-year-old says he is "disappointed" he didn't get to work more with Killie boss Derek McInnes, who he holds on a par with Rangers' legendary former manager Walter Smith.
Read more: Linfield confirm signing of Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty
“I’m disappointed that I won’t get to work with Derek McInnes and his coaching staff again," said Lafferty, who has joined Irish Premiership champions Linfield until the end of the season..
“I rate him next to Walter Smith. Walter is Walter and no one comes close, but from what I experienced with McInnes, he was a mate, a manager and he knew how to get the best out of me.
“Like Walter, he showed so much faith in me and I wanted to run through brick walls for him.
“We were climbing up the table this season and he deserves success."
Lafferty says he "deserved" the 10-game ban after he was caught on camera using a sectarian slur last September.
The striker left Northern Ireland's squad shortly after the footage emerged, and the Scottish FA subsequently imposed a 10-game ban which ruled him out of action until mid-January.
Lafferty said: “One minute you’re the main main and the next you’re out of the team. That was because of the mistake I made and the video coming out.
“I had to work myself back in but the club and gaffer at Kilmarnock helped me through all of that and stood by me.
“I took the punishment I deserved and they got me the help I needed, which shows what a good club and manager they are."
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