Lafferty hoping to capitalise on chance in Burnley side

The 24-year-old signed from Derry City last January and made four appearances towards the end of last season.

But he dropped down the pecking order in the summer after the arrival of Joseph Mills on loan from Reading.

Lafferty featured only once this season, in the Capital One Cup at home to Plymouth, before Eddie Howe returned to Bournemouth, and he has forced his way back into the frame under Sean Dyche.

Lafferty said: “I’ve been out in the cold, but it’s competitive. It’s been frustrating, but hopefully I can change that now.

“It was down to myself, I didn’t start pre-season too well, I didn’t perform that well, so I had no issues with Eddie.

“The lads were performing and I wasn’t, but it’s about getting my head down and trying to impress.

“I hoped to hit the ground running after the end of last season, but it didn’t materialise.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air since the manager came in, and hopefully I can capitalise on that.

“It’s a level I feel I can compete at and play well at - there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Lafferty came in for the injured Ben Mee, who is close to a return from a bruised foot, and he added: “I got my chance via Ben’s injury, and it’s nice to get a couple of games. I’m not sure what will happen now with him fit now though.

“It was a clean slate for everyone, a fresh opportunity to impress someone else. That was the frame of mind I had, to try and force myself into his plans, and hopefully I can continue to do that.”

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