Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has insisted there is still a route back into international football for Kyle Lafferty despite a club emerging showing him using alleged sectarian language.
Lafferty had been selected by Baraclough and was named in the group to face Kosovo and Greece, but came under serious scrutiny when a widely-shared clip emerged online. Kilmarnock have announced they will investigate a video showing him using alleged sectarian language in the clip where Lafferty was seen preparing to pose for a photo with a man, but as the clip is being filmed the man is heard saying “up the Celts” and after stepping away the striker is then alleged to have used derogatory sectarian language.
With the investigation underway at Rugby Park, the Northern Ireland manager said a back injury had also been considered when the decision was made to withdraw the striker from the squad and not just the controversy. He also insisted the 35-year-old still had a future in international football.
