Lafferty enjoys high life

Finland 1 Northern Ireland 2

Kyle Lafferty is living the dream for Northern Ireland and ready to answer the call in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

At 18, the 6'4" Burnley striker’s career has hardly started but he gives the North another option up front.

He stepped off the bench to score his first goal at this level in the defeat of Finland in a friendly yesterday.

Lafferty could now partner David Healy when Iceland visit Windsor Park on September 2 for the opening game of the qualifying campaign.

Only two weeks ago the young prospect from Co Fermanagh was competing for the national U19 team in the Milk Cup.

He said: “Things have happened so quickly, playing in the Milk Cup, then for Burnley and now here.

“I cannot believe I am playing with these guys at 18 and to get the goal was incredible.

“My aim now is to get in the squad for the qualifiers, then see what happens.”

Healy fired home his 20th goal in 50 appearances when he peeled away from his marker to power home a header following a corner from Sammy Clingan.

Lafferty then took his chance with a clinical finish after Burnley team-mate Steve Jones had carved out the opening.

Mika Vayrynen pulled a goal back for Finland but it was just the boost manager Lawrie Sanchez was looking for with Iceland in mind.

Sanchez said: “It was pleasing for me that David and Kyle should score. It was a special night for both of them for different reasons.

“It is nice to see young talent like Kyle coming through. He might have a go at David’s record in years to come.

“We lack height as a nation and a big target man is part of British football.

“Kyle comes into that mould but he also has very good technique.”

Sanchez added: “It was a good work-out for us, a very competitive game for a friendly in August.

“I thought we controlled the game quite well but it will not count for anything in two weeks if we do not win our first match.”