Lafferty scored as Rangers drew 2-2 with Spanish side Villarreal.
Steven Thompson has been quoted by BBC Sport as suggesting that Kyle Lafferty could become Rangers’ first-choice striker after he scored the all-important equaliser against Villarreal on Thursday.
Steven Gerrard’s side earned a crucial point in Spain at the El Madrigal Stadium in Group G of the Europa League after coming back twice from a goal down to draw 2-2.
Despite the odds being heavily against Rangers, Scott Arfield cancelled out Carlos Bacca’s excellent first-minute strike, before Lafferty equalised after good work from Glenn Middleton and Borna Barisic to rescue a point.
It was his third goal for Rangers since returning to the club from Hearts, and former Gers striker Thompson believes Lafferty could now be first choice after having to play back-up to Alfredo Morelos – who was suspended.
“Rangers switched off and then they lose that second goal, slack defending, but they had character to again come back into the game and Lafferty’s goal is fantastic,” Thompson said.
“Lafferty has had to play second fiddle to Morelos and it’ll give him so much confidence to get the goal that got Rangers a vital point.”
Signed from Hearts this summer, Lafferty returned to Ibrox six years after leaving the club in 2012 when Rangers were dissolved and forced to restart in the fourth tier of Scottish football.
He scored a brace in the 3-3 draw at Fir Park against Motherwell, but proved ineffective when he was asked to play on the wing as Rangers lost to Old Firm rivals Celtic 1-0 at Parkhead. Up front, he proved devastating against Villarreal.
It remains to be seen if he will be rested on Sunday afternoon as the Gers take on Tommy Wright’s St. Johnstone at Ibrox in their sixth Scottish Premiership fixture of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
