McCoist praises mature Lafferty

Lafferty: Showing his love for Rangers as he celebrates a goal

Kyle Lafferty is reaching a new level of consistency as he matures as a footballer, according to Ally McCoist.

The Northern Ireland international has now cemented himself in the Rangers attack and is proving that he is rising to the challenge.

He was on the scoresheet as Rangers beat their arch-rivals Celtic 4-2 over the weekend and is showing no effects of the hernia injury that hampered him earlier this term.

"We missed Kyle when he was out at the start of this season with the hernia operation," said McCoist.

"Kyle is different. He will always get on the end of things and make things happen and create chances and miss one or two and score one or two. That's why we love him.

"I don't want to put any more pressure on him but he seems to be coming of age in the respect that he has been more consistent - his goals have been more consistent and his performances have been more consistent.

"Hopefully he is heading in the right direction and that will continue. He is a key player for us and you want to keep all your key players."