Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty could be the perfect fit for Ipswich Town following his release by Norwich City, according to Bryan Hamilton.

Lafferty has been a talismanic figure for his country, but a promising club career has stalled badly in recent times.

The former Burnley and Rangers target man has been let go by the Canaries after making just 14 starts and 25 substitute appearances in three years.

According to national reports, Blues boss Mick McCarthy is interested in bringing the 29-year-old to Portman Road.

'I've seen him play ever so well and I've him seen him be ever so quiet,' said Hamilton, the former Northern Ireland player and boss, who made more than 150 appearances for Town in the 1970s before managing the Canaries for a brief spell in 2000. 'The boy has got so much ability, but he's not delivered on a regular basis throughout his career. Hopefully he'll feel like he's got a point to prove and will be determined to finally leave a real mark at a club.

'He's big, he's strong, he can hold the ball up, link the play and he can score goals – he's got a lot in his locker. He can be a great foil for someone else, or you could play him up on his own.

MORE: You can have him! City fans give their verdict on Lafferty's potential move across the border'Everyone in the Championship is looking for those 6ft-plus strikers who can lead the line and there aren't a million players like him who fit that bill – certainly not ones available on a free transfer.'

Hamilton, who has settled in Suffolk and is a regular at Portman Road, continued: 'In many ways he is similar to the boy (Daryl) Murphy, who was the difference between Ipswich finishing sixth and 12th a couple of years ago.

'We've probably missed a rumbly-bumbly physical presence like him.

'I think Ipswich Town could be a perfect fit for Kyle and he could be a perfect fit for Ipswich Town.

'The squad definitely needs more quality and Kyle would add that.'

Hamilton added: 'I don't think going from Norwich to Ipswich would be an issue.

'There would be an element of fans who have that animosity, but if he performs as well as I know he can then he would quickly win the crowd over I'm sure.

'I think Mick McCarthy could use the Norwich situation as a bit of reverse psychology. He could say to him 'they didn't give you a fair chance, come down the road and prove them wrong'.'