If a definitive edition of The Banter Years is ever published there is no doubt that Kyle Lafferty will have a special chapter all to himself.
Back in 2012 the True Blue rejected a TUPE contract to head off to Switzerland, picking up a signing on fee as the new club struggled to get off the ground under founding fathers Charles Green and Mike Ashley.
In August 2018 he did his bit for the cause by scoring the winning goal for Hearts against Celtic to send Brendan Rodgers’ side into a mini-crisis. Later that month the boyhood fan returned to Ibrox to a predictable fanfare and noise about 55.
There was one more outing against Celtic for Lafferty as he watched in dismay as Olivier Ntcham scored the only goal of the game in the September derby.
At some stage afterwards the former Hearts striker shared a shower with Ryan ‘Kenty’ Kent, today he shared details of the conversation in the showers with readers of the Daily Record:
After one game last season I spoke to Ryan in the showers. People were raving about Eden Hazard and his ability to know what he’s going to do before the ball comes to him.
I said to Kenty, ‘Mate, you could be as good as him, if not better.’ He has everything in his locker. He could probably add a few more goals but the chances he creates and winning games is what he does. I’m excited already to see him play.
It’s crazy to think he’s back. This is the biggest and most significant signing of the season Ryan’s in the top three of the best I’ve played with and I’ve had Dybala and Belotti as team-mates. I’m more than happy to say that as he provides something special.
It’s about how he takes the ball, how he runs with it and I’ve seen him absolutely destroy defenders. He can do that even with three or four defenders around him. Ryan’s a match-winner and to have him in your team with a good foundation around him is a massive statement for Rangers. After the disappointment of losing the Old Firm game on Sunday, this news will get everyone back on board from that downer.
It’s the ideal lift for all of the supporters. Kenty is the one player who’ll get everyone out of their seats again. It’s a huge tonic. If there is any player who’s going to help Rangers to land 55 then it’s him.”
After picking up a pay off for the remaining year of his Ibrox contract Lafferty joined Norwegian aces Sarpsborg 08, on Sunday he was sent off on his debut, a 2-2 draw at home to Viking.