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Ben Banks

Kyle Lafferty Kilmarnock exit explained as Derek McInnes reveals he didn't want striker to leave

Derek McInnes says it was a board decision that sealed Kyle Lafferty's Kilmarnock exit.

The Rugby Park club are in Premiership action against Dundee United this evening but have been left short in the striker departure after the former Rangers striker was announced to have left by mutual consent, alongside the announcement of Oli Shaw's Barnsley move. Killie's statement was brief and offered no insight into why and their manager has been unable to provide a definitive reason either.

Earlier this season, Lafferty was banned for use of sectarian language on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Read next: Kenny Shiels leaves Northern Ireland job as he reflects on historic reign

But McInnes has revealed that it wasn't a decision of his and instead that of the forward and Kilmarnock hierarchy.

He told Sportsound: "All I can say is, it wasn't something that I wanted to happen. It was a conversation between the board and Kyle. I don't really want to say any more than that. It's left us really short, so we're disappointed that's the outcome.

"It was between the club and Kyle and unfortunately for us he has left. I can't say anything more, it was a conversation between the club and Kyle, and we move on.

"The deal for Oli to Barnsley was agreed last week and we got a fee for him which was good for us. It was something he wanted to do. That decision was done last week. Lafferty was one that was sprung upon us on the last day of the window."

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