Lafferty rejoined Rangers in the summer from Hearts.
Kevin Thomson has told BT Sport that he expected much more from his former Rangers teammate Kyle Lafferty since the striker returned to Ibrox from Hearts in the summer.
The 31-year-old was one of 15 new signings in the summer made by Steven Gerrard, joining Allan McGregor in moving back to Ibrox – six years after both players left the club in the mess of 2012.
Lafferty rejoined Rangers for a fee of £500,000 (Glasgow Evening Times), but has managed just four goals in 18 league and cup appearances since moving back to Ibrox.
Thomson, who coaches Rangers Under-13’s through to Under-15’s, played alongside Lafferty during his time as a Rangers player. He reckons Lafferty is not having the desired impact, and compared him to Kenny Miller.
“You wonder if Rangers are going to go into the market and buy a striker,” Thomson said. “Morelos’ disciplinary record has obviously let the team down at times. I think I expected more from Lafferty.
“I just think he is a unique player. When he is at his best, he is leading the line – especially when he did very well for Northern Ireland. He plays like what Kenny Miller did for Scotland. When he plays wide, he struggles to have the same impact.”
Lafferty was left on the bench as an unused substitute on Wednesday night as Rangers failed to beat Hibernian at Easter Road. Indeed, Steven Gerrard decided to keep Alfredo Morelos on the pitch, rather than putting Lafferty on.
The Gers travel to Perth to face St. Johnstone on Sunday, before playing host to Neil Lennon’s men at Ibrox in just over a week’s time. Then, they face Old Firm rivals Celtic on December 29 at Ibrox before the winter break.
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