Lafferty looking forward to Windsor experience

The Creggan man has been happ y with how pre-season has gone at Burnley and he’ll be using the game as more preparation for the start of the season.

“I have to admit I have never been in Windsor Park before, not as a player or a supporter, I always remember the pitch looking very big, so I’m looking forward to it,” stated Lafferty.

“Pre-season has been very good and to be honest it has been very modern,” he added.

“Years ago you would have been doing a lot of running, but pre-season this year has been all about working with the ball and using matches to get our fitness.

“Yes we have still been running, but that normally comes after a match when the losing side would do some short circuit like running and sprints.

This weekend the Championship kicks off with the Clarets starting the season with a local derby at home to Bolton Wanderers and Lafferty is hoping this evening’s international won’t harm his chances of forcing his way into manager Eddie Howe’s plans.

“It’s unfortunate that the friendly is so close to our first game of the season, but there is nothing I can do about it.

“At the end of the day I will continue to work hard while I’m with Northern Ireland and if I do get some game time then I’ll be looking to not just impress and do well for Michael O’Neill, but also my manager at Burnley.

“It’s a big game against Bolton and I was surprised that Sky Sports weren’t showing it live, because it’s a derby. We are at home, we want to start the season well and hit the ground running so to speak.”