Kyle Lafferty signs for new club managed by ex-Rangers teammate following Kilmarnock release

Kyle Lafferty has joined Irish Premiership champions Linfied following his release from Kilmarnock.

The 35-year-old striker left Rugby Park last week with manager Derek McInnes revealing Lafferty's departure was “sprung on” him following discussions between the player and the Kilmarnock board.

Lafferty had missed ten games through suspension after being charged by the Scottish FA for using sectarian language in an incident with a member of the public in a nightclub which was shared on social media.

The Northern Ireland international’s move to Linfield on a short-term deal until the end of the season will see him link up with former Rangers and international team-mate David Healy, who is now manager of the Belfast-based club.

Kyle Lafferty has joined Linfield following his shock departure from Kilmarnock. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

It will be the first time Lafferty, who was born in Enniskillen, has played professional football in his homeland in a much-travelled career which has included spells in Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Norway. Lafferty’s former clubs also include Hearts, Sunderland, Norwich and Burnley.