Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes believes Kyle Lafferty is proving an “inspirational” signing for the Scottish Championship title candidates.
Lafferty, who returned to the East Ayrshire club for a second spell in January, scored a brace and recorded an assist in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Raith Rovers.
It was the 34-year-old’s second double in seven days following a similar two goal haul in the previous week’s 2-1 win over Dunfermline Athletic.
And it took his tally to five in six games since January and a remarkable 18 goals in 19 games in total for Killie over his two spells at Rugby Park.
“Laff is somebody who is desperate to do well here,” said McInnes, who succeeded Tommy Wright as Killie boss in early-January.
“Not only his goals, but he leads the line and he’s a bit inspirational for the rest of the team up there.
“The fans love him, you can see his connection with the support and you can see clearly how much he wants to do well here.”
On Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Raith, McInnes said: “The players were excellent. 3-0, clean sheet and Laff getting another couple of goals so we’ve got to be pleased with our day’s work.
“When your centre forward is playing as well as he is and (goalkeeper) Zach (Hemming) is playing as well as he is, it normally goes a long way to having a successful afternoon.”
Lafferty rejoined Kilmarnock on January 21 after parting company with Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus where he had spent the previous six months.
The 85-times capped Northern Ireland striker had scored 13 goals in 13 games for Killie in the second half of last season before joining Arnorthosis in July.
Kilmarnock lie second in the Scottish Championship, level on points with Arbroath who are top on goal difference with a game in hand.
