Former Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty signs for Kilmarnock after leaving Italy

Hearts' Kyle Lafferty applauds the fans at the end of his final match

The Nothern Ireland international has signed up until the end of the season, having left Italian club Reggina in January and becomes Wright’s first recruit as Rugby Park manager.

If officials receive clearance in time, 33-year-old Lafferty could even make his latest debut against his former club Rangers this weekend. Killie are scheduled to visit Ibrox at 3pm on Saturday aiming to move away from the relegation zone under their new boss.

Striker Lafferty enjoyed a goal-laden year with Hearts in 2017-18, scoring 20 goals at Tynecastle before making a return to Rangers.

He has had two spells at Ibrox, scoring 44 goals, and was close to a move to Romanian side Sepsi – but his transfer to Transylvania fell through last week paving the way for Kilmarnock to become his third club in Scotland.

As well as two spells in Italy with Palermo and Reggina, the well-travelled forward has also spent time in Switzerland, Turkey, Norway and English football where he played for Sunderland, Birmingham City and Norwich having began his career with Burnley.

In releasing him last month Reggina President Luca Gallo thanked “Kyle for his professionalism and Reggina wishes him the best sporting fortunes.”

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