Don't jump to conclusions about Kyle, says old Burnley pal Ade Akinbiyi

Oct 12 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

BURNLEY powerhouse Ade Akinbiyi has backed Kyle Lafferty to be a success at Rangers - but warned it might take the £3.5million man a year to settle.

The Northern Ireland striker has failed to set the SPL alight since his big-money move from Turf Moor in the summer.

A run of niggling injuries has curtailed Lafferty's start to life at Ibrox and he has netted just once in a light blue shirt.

Eyebrows were raised when Walter Smith splashed the cash on the 21-year-old who had a record of only 10 goals in 83 games for theClarets.

But Akinbiyi - who played alongside Lafferty for most of last term - has urged the Gers support to give his mate time.

The former Wolves, Leicester and Stoke striker is adamant Kyle will eventually justify his huge transfer fee but admitted it could be next season before he hits his best form.

Ade also insists the £3.5m tag on Lafferty's head may have contributed to his less than impressive start at Ibrox.

He said: "I wasn't surprised Kyle went for that kind of money because we all thought he was a good player. He came into the Burnley team really early and was still a kid.

"But he did tremendously well for us. The price tag is out of his control and lots of clubs are buying young for big money these days.

"If a club want a certain amount of cash they usually get it.

"Maybe the price is preying on his mind a little because it's a lot of money.

He's inexperienced and it's his first major move.

"But I'm sure in time the Rangers fans will see the real Kyle.

"I'd urge themto give him time. He's young and hasn't played that many games in his career.

"He's an ambitious guy but everything has come so quickly for him.

It was the same when I used to move clubs every year - it's difficult to get settled quickly.

"I enjoyed playing alongside Kyle and he brought so much to this club. A lot of teams wanted him and going to Rangers is a massive move.

"But it could take Kyle as long as a year to settle and show his best form.

It will take time but I'm sure he will do well up there."

Debate continues to rage about Lafferty's best position.

For most of his spell in the Championship he was deployed as a left winger, providing an aerial threat at the back post and creating chances for his team-mates.

But at international level the youngster plays up front alongside David Healy and has bagged five goals in 16 games.

Lafferty prefers that role but at Rangers faces stiff competition from Kenny Miller, Kris Boyd and Jean-Claude Darcheville.

Akinbiyi is in no doubt Kyle is best as an out-and-out frontman and believes once Smith gives him a run of games there he'll soon reap the benefits. He said: "Kyle's favourite position has always been down the middle.

"Burnley switched him out to the left and he did well. He held the ball up and created lots of goals.

"He might not have scored as many from there but when played as a striker Kyle showed he is more than capable of finding the net.

"He'll always get his fair share as a main striker. Kyle's strong and good at holding the ball up. For his size he can be really quick as well.

"Once people start playing him down the middle and he gets settled there you'll see the best of him.

"Long-term that's where I see him playing for Rangers.

"I always thought we didn't do him justice by playing him on the left.

"When Kyle played up front for us and Northern Ireland he got a few goals.

"That's when clubs watched him and liked what they saw. It's why he got his move to Ibrox."