Dean Shiels believes Kyle Lafferty “won’t turn his back” on the Northern Ireland national team, despite getting caught up in a major row with the Football Association after pulling out of international duty, reports the Scotland Herald. Lafferty withdrew himself from the squad, citing an injury and lack of fitness, but the decision has led to him receiving a lot of criticism.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill admitted he was disappointed with the striker and said Lafferty’s decision to pull out of the team could have future repercussions. The 31-year-old has been a terrific servant for the national team, but he may have played his final game for Northern Ireland.