O'Neill tips Lafferty to leave Norwich for sake of international career

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill expects Kyle Lafferty to finally leave Norwich in summer when his contract expires.

The 29-year-old striker has had a troubled 3 years with the Championship club, including loan spells to Çaykur Rizespor in Turkey, and Birmingham City. He failed to secure a permanent move away from Carrow Road in 2016, and it now looks as if both Lafferty and the club are simply winding down the clock.

With 20 goals in 58 appearances for Northern Ireland, he is clearly Michael O'Neill's first choice up front.

"His contract's up in summer, so I imagine he and Norwich will part company at that point," he said.

With Norway coming to Windsor Park on the 26th of March for a World Cup qualifier, O'Neill will likely have to look elsewhere for a leading man. Lafferty's Norwich minutes have been limited to short substitute appearances, and he last found the net while playing for his country, in November's 4-0 win over Azerbaijan.

"The international games are important for Kyle because he gets to show what he's capable of. He's done that in this campaign with 3 goals, but we've had to make decisions about whether we use him off the bench or we start him," said O'Neill.

"It's something I'll have to see about for the Norway game - see how he is when he comes into camp."

O'Neill has other options, including Conor Washington, Josh Magennis and Will Grigg - all of whom are regular features for their clubs.

"A player can train Monday to Friday, but when there's no game at the end of the week it can be difficult for them. I think not only physically, but mentally, there's a step up to go and play international football."

Regardless of whether or not Lafferty racks up the minutes at club level, it's clear he still has a role to play for O'Neill.

"Kyle's still hugely important to me and and hugely important to the squad - so we'll see how he is when we get together."