Lafferty returns to roots in red and white of Sheffield United

The League One club have a special connection with Lafferty’s hometown outfit, Derry City, who also traditionally play in the red and white candy stripes. And the link hasn’t been lost on the Carnhill man who was delighted to make the move to Bramall Lane.

In fact the 27 year-old N. Ireland international is hoping to wear the No. 24 shirt at the ‘Blades’ this season - his old Derry City number - if it’s available when he makes his selection today.

“I just realised yesterday there was that link between the clubs,” he said. “But apparently it goes way back to the founding of Derry City Football Club which is nice.

“I obviously enjoyed playing in the Derry City candy stripes so, hopefully, I can do the same with Sheffield United.

“I haven’t chosen my squad number yet so I’d be delighted to pick the squad number I had at Derry City.

“It would be a nice little touch and for some reason it gives you almost a subconscious, comfortable feeling about the move because of that, as strangely as it might sound.”

Wednesday was a hectic day for the Derry man who was involved in what was a record breaking transfer deadline day when making a late move from Premiership outfit, Burnley to the Yorkshire club.

And the ex-Celtic man was all the more anxious given his heavily pregnant girlfriend, Rachel, could have gone into labour at any moment which could potentially have put a swift end to his move.

So it’s an exciting time both on and off the field for Lafferty who is expecting his second child, but he views the move to League One as a ‘fresh start’ as he attempts to revive his international career.