Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty has joined Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08.

The former Rangers and Hearts forward had been keen to return to Tynecastle after leaving Ibrox for a second time last month and held talks with other Scottish clubs, including Kilmarnock.

But the 31-year-old has opted to join the club sitting at the bottom of the Norwegian top flight, with 11 games left in the season.

Lafferty originally signed a two-year contract with Rangers last summer, but the final year was mutually terminated last month, leaving the striker as a free agent.

Sarpsborg sporting director Thomas Berntsen told their official website: 'In Kyle Lafferty we get a player with close to 500 games at a good level. He has 70 caps and 20 goals for Northern Ireland.

'Lafferty is a right-footed tough guy who puts his head on the line in both boxes. A real warrior we hope to enjoy this season.

'There will be some yellow cards, but also many goals. We think this will be very good.'

Lafferty added: 'I'm here to help save the club's place in the Eliteserien and I'm really looking forward to it.'