Kyle Lafferty full of praise for Ally McCoist's influence

Kyle Lafferty aims to show Rangers and Northern Ireland supporters he can score goals on a regular basis.

The 22-year-old striker is anxious to build on the end of last season which saw his club crowned champions. Lafferty scored five goals in seven games at the tail end of the campaign to silence some of his critics.

The departure of Kris Boyd to Middlesbrough has opened a window of opportunity for Lafferty and he is keen to take it in this his third season at Ibrox.

He said: "I know it's a loss for Rangers with Kris going but hopefully I will get a chance to play up front and score goals. You have to take your chance at Rangers. I would like to think I can step up to the challenge."

Lafferty believes he can only improve under the stewardship of former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist, manager Walter Smith's right-hand man.

"Having Ally about in the backroom staff at Rangers has helped me develop," he said. "You always learn from people like that who have a phenomenal goals tally.

"You need heart to wear the Rangers jersey and Ally still has that. His enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. All the coaching staff have been a big help."

Next up for Lafferty, though, is a warm-up game ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers for Northern Ireland who face Montenegro tomorrow in Podgorica.

The hosts were anxious to face British opposition as they have been drawn against England and Wales in the campaign.

Lafferty, who has scored seven goals in 24 appearances for Northern Ireland, said: "Montenegro will be a good, hard-working side. They will be well organised but it is about how we perform. I have have had a bit of an injury so this game should boost my fitness. Hopefully I can get 90 minutes under my belt and score some goals."