Derek McInnes insists Kyle Lafferty is raring to go ahead of this weekend's Viaplay Cup semi-final against Celtic.

The 35-year-old striker has been out of action for the last ten matches.

The Northern Ireland international was handed a lengthy suspension back in October for the use of a sectarian slur.

As a result, Lafferty has not played since. 

However, his ban is finally up. It comes in time for this weekend's huge clash against Celtic at Hampden.

It's Killie's first venture to the national stadium since they last won the cup in 2012, where they beat Celtic 1-0.

McInnes says Lafferty is desperate to play, along with the rest of his squad.

He said: "He was doing star jumps outside my office this morning and bought breakfast.

"I know how much he wants to play, the same as all of my players want to play.

"He's bursting to get involved, it's been torture for him missing out.

"For any player, you can accept having to miss games due to injuries for three, four, five, six months.

"Kyle has not been injured. He's been fit and running about in training.

"He's been really supportive. He's been at every game, apart from Celtic Park on Saturday. 

"He's still had a big role to play in and around the dressing room. We just need him between now and the end of the season to have a big role on the pitch.

"I've got a strong squad, I've got good options. It's going to be tough for me to leave certain players out. Every player is desperate to play, including Kyle."

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