I’ve joined the biggest team in Edinburgh, says new Hearts signing Kyle Lafferty

KYLE LAFFERTY insists there is no way he could disrespect Hearts by signing for Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

The new Jambos frontman has hit back following claims he slighted Neil Lennon by snubbing talks with the Leith boss to clinching his Gorgie move.

The former Rangers striker has penned a two-year deal with the Jambos after marathon four-day negotiations with Tynecastle chiefs and his agent Martin Lyon.

Lennon was also interested in taking the Northern Ireland frontman to Easter Road – but was left waiting at Hibs’ East Mains training ground on Wednesday as Lafferty stood him up.

That meeting had been set up by former Northern Ireland team-mate Keith Gillespie, who now acts as agent but is not Lafferty’s official advisor.

He responded to the no-show by taking to Twitter to accuse the 29-year-old of being “disrespectful” to Hibs.

But Lafferty dismissed those claims as he said: “I was at Hearts from Friday then Monday and Tuesday before finally getting the deal done yesterday with my agent.

“I think it would be disrespectful from me towards Hearts to negotiate for four days and then go across the city to speak to Hibs.

“I can probably say my heart did not want to be there. I showed Hearts massive respect by staying here. The chairwoman here Ann Budge wouldn’t let me out the office door anyway.

“She told me to go in there with a cup of tea – then she locked the door.

“The only way out was through the window and I didn’t really fancy jumping down three storeys.

“Keith can come out and say what he wants. I’ve come here with my actual agent Martin. We spoke for four days solid and it was well worth it as I’m now a Hearts player.”

Lafferty was no stranger to controversy during his Ibrox days and the row will likely see him cop more stick when he runs out for his first Edinburgh derby.

And he will have done his popularity levels across the capital no favours by claiming Hibs sit in the shadows of his new side.

“I’ve joined the biggest team in Edinburgh and the third biggest in Scotland,” he said.

“So it was an easy decision for me to come after hearing what the manager had to say, what he wants me to do and where he wants to take the team.

“They have matched my expectations as well and I actually can’t wait to get started.”

But the former Sion, Palermo and Norwich striker is confident he can handle anything thrown his way.

“I think I’m hated in Scotland already to be honest,” he said. “It’s football and obviously you’re going to get teams after you. You have to make a decision.

“I made one early doors and I didn’t want this deal to end up dead and buried.

“Derbies are derbies. I’ve played in Old Firms. They get heated sometimes, so do Hearts-Hibs games. I just can’t wait for these big games.”