It's fair to say Kyle Lafferty's move to Linfield did not go to plan.

The 35-year-old striker joined the Northern Irish giants in February shortly after his shock exit from Kilmarnock.

The Rangers hero penned a short-term contract with Linfield just days after his release from the Ayrshire club, which was due to a disciplinary matter.

It was hoped that the international forward could recapture some of his old goalscoring form to fire Linfield to their fifth successive title. 

However, his arrival at Windsor Park did very little to boost David Healy's side. 

Lafferty failed to score in any of his eight appearances and struggled for game time through injury.

Linfield lost their crown to Larne, who created history by winning their first-ever NIFL Premiership crown.

It remains to be seen what is next for Lafferty, with his contract soon to be up at the club. 

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But Linfield No.2 Ross Oliver has attempted to explain the reasoning behind Lafferty's poor stint in Belfast.

Oliver told Belfast Live: "Kyle has been carrying a few knocks which have really hindered his progress. He has been unfortunate with a couple of niggles.

"He has been here for a short period of time so hasn't been able to get up and running. And those injuries have prevented him from getting consistent game time.

"So it has been difficult for him. I am sure he will be the first person to say he is disappointed with the way things worked out.

"Every signing you make or decision you make, it is always a gamble. It doesn't matter who it is. It might work and it might not work.

"It is just unfortunate for Kyle that with the injuries he picked up that he wasn't able to pick up any speed."

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