Michael O’Neill disappointed with Rangers star Kyle Lafferty

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Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty won’t be heading on international duty after all.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has told BBC Sport that he is disappointed to see Kyle Lafferty rule himself out of two upcoming games – and claims the situation will be addressed after the international break.

O’Neill’s side took on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel over the last international break, losing to Bosnia before hammering Israel 3-0 in Belfast.

Rangers striker Lafferty was a part of that squad, starting against Bosnia before being an unused substitute against Israel as O’Neill gave chances to fringe players in a friendly.

Since then, Lafferty has headed back to Rangers, scoring two goals in five appearances, including the second equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Villarreal in the Europa League last month.

The 31-year-old has been a mainstay of the Northern Ireland setup for many years now, and he was once again named in the squad to take on Austria and Bosnia over the next week.

However, Northern Ireland boss O’Neill has tonight told BBC Sport that Lafferty won’t be involved, having mysteriously pulled out of the squad, leaving O’Neill ‘disappointed’.

O’Neill added that the focus will remain on the players who are actually with the squad, but did claim that the situation regarding the Rangers striker will be addressed after the international break next week.

“I am disappointed he has ruled himself out of the two games,” said O’Neill. “Our focus is the players who are with us and I will address this situation after the international period,” he added.