Lafferty glad to be back in Clarets squad

The Burnley left-back faced former Derry City team-mate and close friend James McClean, after the ex-Sunderland winger came off the bench at the weekend.

Lafferty was making back-to-back first team appearances for the Clarets having worked his way back into Sean Dyche’s squad for the first time since September.

“I’m back in due to an injury sustained by Ben Mee, who has been playing left-back, so now it’s up to me to give the manager food for thought,” said Lafferty.

“I’ve been biding my time, but it’s hard to argue with the manager as the team was winning and is now close to the top of the Championship, three points behind the league leaders,” he added.

“Hopefully this will be my opportunity to impress as I certainly want to be part of our promotion push .”

Lafferty started the game against Middlesbrough which resulted in a 1-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium on Boxing’s Day, before starting last weekend’s scoreless draw at Wigan.

“We’re now preparing for a big match against Huddersfield at Turf Moor this Thursday and as they are one of just three teams to have beaten us this season, the players are keen to redress the balance,” he continued.

“I’m delighted to get back in and while I was disappointed at losing to Middlesbrough, the draw at Wigan was a good point for us given that they’ve one of the strongest squads in the league.”

For Lafferty it’s very important that he plays his part in the promotion push as his current contract expires at the end of the season.

“I’m out of contract at the end of the season, so for me it’s very important that I keep playing games. I’m delighted to get back in and now it’s up to me to stay there for as long as possible.”

Another two ex-Derry men who faced each other in the Championship on Sunday were Paddy McCourt’s Barnsley who lost to Conor Smamon’s Derby County.