Kyle Lafferty's Norwich City future is a major cause of concern for Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill ahead of their Euro 2016 countdown.

O'Neill hinted it could be time for his talisman to move on from Carrow Road in the January transfer window if he has still not forced his way into Alex Neil's Premier League plans.

The Scot has publicly made it clear only he will decide Lafferty's next step, but the 28-year-old has played just 13 minutes of top flight action for the Canaries so far this season.

Lafferty's seven goals fired Northern Ireland to their first European Championship finals next summer in France and O'Neill wants his sharp shooter to get regular club football to be in the best possible shape.

'It is a concern for me in terms of how Kyle is,' said O'Neill, after including Lafferty in his latest squad for an upcoming friendly against Latvia next month. 'His opportunities have been very limited and that situation doesn't seem to be changing.

'He has scored goals at international level, but it hasn't affected his playing time with his club. His only option at the moment would be going out on emergency loan to a Championship club, but there are probably financial implications for his club.

'Whatever happens between now and January, I think it's a big thing for Kyle to be settled and playing in January, for his peace of mind as much as anything else. He needs to be playing. He has shown for us when he is settled what he is capable of. I just don't think he's had the opportunity Norwich, if I'm being honest. In normal circumstances you might rest someone like Kyle (against Latvia), but he needs to play.'