Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty has all the ability to become a star for Northern Ireland, according to Belfast legend Gerry Armstrong.

Striker Armstrong - famed for his winning goal against hosts Spain in the 1982 World Cup - has tipped the fast-developing Clarets teenager for a major career at international level.

The respected pundit has likened 18-year-old Lafferty to another former Northern Ireland ace, ex-Blackburn and Wolves forward Derek Dougan, who earned 43 caps during the 1960s and 70s.

Although recognising that Lafferty is still a fledgling, not only on the international scene where he has three friendly caps under his belt, but also with the Clarets, Armstrong has seen enough of the Enniskillen youngster to predict a big future.

"So far, Kyle has done all the right things," said Armstrong.

"He's not the full article yet and he needs another year or two to really feel part of the Northern Ireland (set-up), but I've been really pleased with him so far.

"I first spotted him last year in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup and his performances stood out for me. He's improved since then, but he's still got a wee bit more to learn and fill out a bit more.

"But he's getting better and better and that's great for him and for Northern Ireland. He scored against Paraguay in the recent Milk Cup and followed that up in Finland with his first goal at senior level.

"From a Northern Ireland point of view, he reminds me a bit of Derek Dougan. He was very tall with similar build.

"Derek was very strong when you played the ball to his feet, with good touch and he was good in the air.

"Derek was also very quick. I'm not really sure if Kyle is lightning quick, but he's certainly not slow. They have similar styles and are similar types of players."

Armstrong also sees similarities between Lafferty and Northern Ireland's all-time record goal-scorer David Healy.

There is a strong possibility that manager Lawrie Sanchez may select the pair for tomorrow's Euro 2008 qualifying clash against Iceland at Windsor Park.

Armstrong added: "The last three goals I saw Kyle score were all from close range.

"The one against Finland was a back post header. The one for Burnley against Crystal Palace and the one for Northern Ireland against Paraguay in the Milk Cup where six yard goals.

"Kyle's got a good instictive brain where the ball may fall. That's not luck.

"David Healy can always sniff a goal, he senses where the ball will be, guessing where it is going to fall.

Kyle has shown to have a similar sort of know-how."

Over a fortnight ago in Helsinki, Finland, Clarets team-mate Steve Jones laid on the cross for Lafferty to open his account at full international level, in only his third appearance.

But Armstrong insists the teenager will need more time to feel at home among a Sanchez squad aiming to emerge from a strong qualifying group that includes Spain, Sweden and Denmark.

"I've always said that it takes 10 internationals before you really feel a part of it," added Armstrong.

"When I played, it took me eight to 10 internationals before I knew what it was all about.

"I scored on my home debut against Belgium when we won 3-0 and I thought I'd cracked it.

"But I came down to Earth in the next two or three matches when I did not score.

"I'm sure Kyle won't get ahead of himself. It's good that Michael Duff and Steve Jones are there too. Steve has been in the squad a long time and has helped Kyle settle down."