Derry City: Lafferty finally makes Premier League debut

Northern Ireland international Danny Lafferty came off the bench for Burnley on Saturday, to make his Premier League debut.
Danny Lafferty made his Premier League debut for Burnley on Saturday.Danny Lafferty made his Premier League debut for Burnley on Saturday.
Danny Lafferty made his Premier League debut for Burnley on Saturday.

The talented left-back replaced Ben Mee and help Sean Dyche’s men secure a narrow 1-0 win over Southampton.

“I enjoyed it,” he stated. “The gaffer told me to make good decisions and just go and enjoy it. That was the information I got going onto the pitch.

“Southampton have big names in their team like Shane Long, and Nathaniel Clyne but it was a very enjoyable experience and now that I’ve had a small taste of it, I’d want to do it again.

“I came on then at that break in play immediately after the goal, which just added to the tension and nerves because we had the lead and we were expecting Southampton to come at us.

“It was not the easiest of games to come on in; Southampton are a good side and one mistake can change the game.”

The former Derry City full-back is now hoping he can stay in the squad for this weekend’s game at in-form Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday.

“It’s hard to gauge what’s going to happen,” he added.

“Because of Stephen Ward’s injury I’ll be travelling for the game. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, but things can change quickly. They went in my favour this time.

“The boss might want to change it up on Saturday so it’s too early to say, but I’d be hoping to make the bench at least.”

Lafferty, who signed a three year deal with the Turf Moor side in the summer, played his role in helping Burnley secure promotion last season, but it has been a different story this campaign.

The 25-year-old has had to watch a number of Burnley games from the stands this year as he as struggled to force his way into the squad and because of that he hasn’t played for Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side.

“The one thing I have had to be this year is extremely patient,” he continued.

“It can test you a lot psychologically, but I’ve never downed tools.

“The gaffer has always spoken to me and the words he always uses is that you never know what can happen in football.

“I’ve been going about my business and training away in the right manner and my chance came on Saturday.

“It was only 15 minutes but it was still nice to get that opportunity. You never know what’s going to happen this year.

“This could be our only year in the Premier League so it would be frustrating if it didn’t happen, but it was nice.”

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who saved a penalty from Southampton’s Dusan Tadic, praised the Carnhill man after their deserved victory last weekend.

“Danny Lafferty comes in for his first appearance of the season with 10 minutes to go, 1-0 up on a cold, wet, windy night and it’s not easy, fair play to him, he went about it in the right manner.”