Lafferty in new Celtic twist

11:47am Tuesday 29th January 2008

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By Suzanne Geldard »

BURNLEY appear to have kept Kyle Lafferty from the clutches of Celtic, at least for now.

Twelve months after having a £500,000 offer for the Northern Ireland international rejected, the Scottish Premier League champions were believed to have upped the ante to around £3million, with striker Derek Riordan included in the proposed deal.

But in a Parkhead twist, Lafferty slipped down the pecking order last night, with Manchester City's out of favour striker Georgios Samaras today set to join on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old's switch from Eastlands is unlikely to end Celtic manager Gordon Strachan's interest in Lafferty altogether, but the prospect of delaying an approach until perhaps the summer will be music to the ears of Burnley manager Owen Coyle.

The Clarets chief has made no secret of his enthusiasm for working with the highly-rated 20-year-old, who was also the subject of a failed £3million bid from Fulham in the summer.

"Hopefully I can add that little bit of composure at the end of Kyle's good work, and if we do that then he's going to develop further again, and then he'll take some stopping because of everything he's got in his locker," said Coyle just a few weeks after taking charge.

"He's got pace, physique, comfortable with the ball, can go off both sides, and if we can add just that little bit of composure in the final third I think you've got the makings of a top, top player."

However, he has also stated that, although he feels Lafferty would benefit more from another year with the Clarets, he would not necessarily prevent him from developing at a higher level either.

"If a young player can go and further his career and it's in the best interests of Burnley Football Club, then that's something the club will look at," he said.

"I've always been a great believer that you're looking for everybody to develop; individuals, young players, at the age they (Lafferty and midfielder Chris McCann) are at, if they can go on and eventually play at that top level.

"Young McCann has the attributes to play at the very highest level, and again Kyle Lafferty has so many attributes to play at that top level.

"But I do think it wouldn't do them any harm to have another year here with Burnley and develop."

Numerous factors could have determined any deal, regardless of Celtic's situation.

One question would be whether Coyle was prepared to sacrifice Lafferty in order to add Riordan to his squad.

Burnley could also be waiting to see if a loan bid for veteran Sunderland striker Andy Cole comes off before acting on anything else.

I understand it was hoped a deal would be struck yesterday, but at the time of going to press that seemed set to be delayed until today or tomorrow.