Lafferty: Goal for injured Naismith

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty dedicated his goal in the side’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Saturday to injured team-mate Steven Naismith.

The Scottish Premier League leaders maintained their 100 percent away record this season with a battling win at Pittodrie, courtesy of Lafferty’s strike and a penalty from Nikica Jelavic.

Lafferty, 24, got the first goal of the game after 58 minutes and chose to tribute his strike to Naismith, who was stretchered off the field in the first half.

The former Burnley striker told ESPN: “We don’t know how bad it is, but if it comes to the worst and he’s out for a while then the goal and the celebration was for him,” he said.

“It was good, especially walking away from a tough place with three points. The lads dug deep, it was a battle and we came out winners.”

“Once we got the first goal it settled our nerves and the penalty was good to go 2-0 up.”

Rangers manager Ally McCoist was equally pleased with the win at struggling Aberdeen, but lamented striker Naismith’s injury.

“It’s been a good day apart from that,” McCoist said after the match.

“I’m really, really disappointed for the lad himself because he’s such an important part of our squad and he’s a great boy.”

“He fears it’s similar to what he’s had before (a knee injury).”

“We don’t know yet and will wait for the scans but it has certainly taken the shine off a great result.”

On Lafferty’s goal and second-half performance, McCoist revealed: “We had a wee pop at him at half-time because we felt his ball retention could be better but he took his goal really well.”

“He’s still learning but we’re delighted with him. His second-half performance was terrific.”