Lafferty suspended by Rangers after refusal to join squad for Hearts clash

 

Lafferty is understood to never want to play for McCoist again. according to The Sun.

The Northern Ireland international is currently sidelined with a hernia problem but was reportedly asked to make himself available against Hearts.

Lafferty refused and was summoned to see McCoist at Ibrox. He was warned to stay away from the club until his suspension was over.

The ban means he will not play any part in this weekend’s Old Firm showdown at Parkhead.

Fuming: Rangers bossAlly McCoist was furious with Lafferty's conduct

A source close to the Rangers manager told the Daily Record: 'The official line will be that Lafferty has been suspended for a breach of club discipline.

'However, the truth is the manager has been appalled by his attitude over the last few weeks.

'If you look at how thin on the ground Ally’s squad is right now – especially with regards attacking options – you can see Ally will not have taken this decision lightly.

'It really shows you just how angry and let down he is feeling.'

Main man: Lafferty has been suspended despite Rangers' striker shortage

Rangers later confirmed that Lafferty had been suspended for a 'breach of discipline'.

The article referred to a 'fall-out between the Northern Ireland striker and manager Ally McCoist ahead of Saturday's game at Hearts'.

It continued: 'Lafferty has been struggling with hamstring and groin problems since the start of 2012 after being plagued by back issues in the second half of last year.'

The 24-year-old will miss SPL games against Celtic, Dundee United and Motherwell.

The club added: 'Although he could be available for the friendly game at Linfield and the final SPL fixture at St Johnstone, he is lacking fitness and is therefore unlikely to be picked.'