WITH 13 clubs to his name and an overworked passport never too far from hand, Kyle Lafferty will probably have few complaints with the adjective used to describe him since he arrived in Kilmarnock. 

Nomadic has been the word of choice, with Ayrshire the latest destination in a career that’s taken him to Sarpsborg (Norway), Palermo (Italy), and Sion (Switzerland) via spells in Govan and Gorgie. 

There’s a reason, however, so many have taken a chance on the Northern Irishman and Chris Burke, his Killie teammate, is convinced the striker packed more than just bags full of talent before jetting off for Rugby Park last month. 

“He has made a difference,” Burke, who played with Lafferty at Rangers more than a decade ago, said. “Obviously he has talent and is a great character and brings personality to the group.

Glasgow Times: Kyle Lafferty has 79 Northern Ireland caps to his name Kyle Lafferty has 79 Northern Ireland caps to his name

"But when you have a character like that he lifts the group and you can see that in training. 

“You can see it in the game as well. He lifts others and gives them energy.

"It was a short time I worked with Kyle at Rangers, I think six months or so before I left. I did train with him and he does have bags of talent and ability.” 

An encouraging maiden start in Killie’s 1-1 draw with Dundee United on Saturday saw Lafferty hit the bar and, most importantly, claim an assist when Zech Medley prodded home an equaliser after an Adrian Sporle deflected shot had given the visitors a half-time lead. It was Kilmarnock’s first point since January.

With crucial matches against Ross County and Motherwell to come in the relegation fight, Burke is sure Lafferty will only get better as he promised Tommy Wright’s team will give their all to avoid the drop. 

"He's back now and hopefully he is settled,” Burke, 37, continued. “He looks like he is happy now and when you're happy sometimes your performances are better on the football field.

Glasgow Times: Chris Burke is sure Lafferty will have a big say in Kilmarnock's future Chris Burke is sure Lafferty will have a big say in Kilmarnock's future

"I can't sit here and say we are definitely going to stay up because I can't predict the future. 

“What I can say is that there will be commitment there until the last minute the ball is kicked in the last game.” 

Kilmarnock’s point on Saturday went some way to ending Dundee United’s hopes of finishing in the top six this season, with St Mirren now boasting a four point lead with just two games to play. 

Not that the impressive Benjamin Siegrist, who made his 100th appearance for the Tangerines in the game, is prepared to give up just yet. 

“A win would certainly have been better,” the Swiss said. “Nothing is impossible. We could pick up points or win next week, the sunshine is out and everyone is buzzing.

Glasgow Times: Benjamin Siegrist has impressed for Dundee United this season Benjamin Siegrist has impressed for Dundee United this season

“We felt disappointed just because of the way the second half went. Early in the year we’d have said a point away from home here was good but we’ve come so far that we’re disappointed not hanging and not getting that second goal.

“Even though they equalised, we still had chances. It’s fine margins as always. But we are ambitious so we’re disappointed with the way the second half went.”