Burnley boss Coyle gives green light for Lafferty move to Celtic

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Sportsmail revealed yesterday that the Championship club are interested in Parkhead fringe player Derek Riordan and the former Hibs player could figure as a makeweight to reduce the fee.

The Hoops had a £500,000 offer turned down for Northern Ireland striker Lafferty a year ago but he is now valued at more than £3million.

Former St Johnstone manager Coyle, who has made a stunning start in the Turf Moor managerial seat, admitted he wouldn't stand in Lafferty's way.

Coyle said: "You are always keen to keep your best players and, with the effort the lads are giving me, I would like to keep every one of them.

"But football being football, if you're doing well, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if other clubs are looking at Burnley and noticing they have two or three very good players.

"There comes a time when the business side of the game kicks in. I have to say, if a young player can go and improve his career and it's in the best interests of Burnley, then that's something the club will look at.

"I've always been a great believer that you are looking for everybody to develop their game.

"If young players can go on and eventually play at that top level, then they should be given that opportunity."

And Coyle believes the 20-year-old Northern Irish international can go right to the top.

He added: "Kyle Lafferty has so many attributes. But I do think it wouldn't do him any harm to have another year here with Burnley and develop his career.

"Hopefully, I can add that little bit of composure at the end of Kyle's good work. If we do that, then he is going to develop further again. After that, he will take some stopping because of everything he has in his locker.

"He has pace, physique, is comfortable with the ball, can play down both sides. With just that little bit of composure in the final third, then I think he has the makings of a top player."