Sanchez: Lafferty one for the future

14 April 2012

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has predicted a bright future for 18-year-old Kyle Lafferty.

The 6ft 4ins Burnley striker stepped off the bench to score his first goal for the province in the 2-1 defeat of Finland in a friendly at the Olympic Stadium. He extended their lead in Helsinki after all-time record scorer David Healy marked his 50th cap with his 20th international goal.

"It is nice to see young talent like Kyle coming through," said Sanchez. "He might have a go at David's record in years to come."

He added: "We lack height as a nation and a big target man is part of British football.

"Kyle comes into that mould but he also has very good technique.

"He did well for us in America - centre forward is a hard position to play.

"I know he is not a regular at Burnley but he is still very young and one for the future.

"Going on loan last season to Darlington will have helped him."