David Healy has known Kyle Lafferty for a long time.

The Linfield manager states that the pair have been friends for almost two decades.

So, the former Rangers and Northern Ireland striker is well aware that Lafferty comes with baggage. 

The 35-year-old signed for Linfield last week after he was released by Kilmarnock.

The ex-Hearts man parted ways with the Rugby Park side due to a disciplinary issue. He left the Ayrshire club on deadline day.

Healy saw his opportunity to bring in the vastly experienced frontman to bolster his side's title big in the NIFL Premiership.

Signed until the end of the season, Lafferty made his debut against Cliftonville at the weekend.

It was far from his best performance, as he was eventually subbed off after a fair ineffectual showing. 

Healy knows it may take a little bit of time for Lafferty to hit his stride though, having missed much of the season so far due to a ten-game ban for the use of sectarian language.

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While Healy acknowledges the mistakes the player has made, the Linfield gaffer reckons he can get the best out of him.

He told Belfast Live: “Bringing Kyle in was an easy one, he’s somebody I’ve known for going on nearly 20 years, somebody I’ve always had respect for as a player.

"Kyle had a huge hand in Northern Ireland qualifying for Euro 2016, albeit that was a few years ago. I know the ability he has. He’ll have better games than what he had against Cliftonville.

“He’s probably not been at his fluent best for a number of months now and he had to soak up his ban. I’ve always had a lot of time for Kyle. He’s a pain in the a**e at times, and by his own admission, he’s made basic mistakes and human errors but that doesn’t diminish his playing ability. The buzz in and around training since he’s come in has been good.

“He’s had an incredible journey in his playing career. He’s a good personality; he’s daft at times of course but he brings a good understanding of dressing-rooms. I’ve no doubt in Kyle’s ability, I’ve no doubt he’ll improve and he’ll prove a good signing towards the end of the season.”