Belfast City Airport has been renamed in honour of star striker Kyle Lafferty.

The move – for one day only – comes as the Northern Ireland team prepare to kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against Poland later.

A spokesman for the airport said: “The excitement surrounding the Euros has been palpable around the airport since we gave the team that eye-catching green and white water cannon salute as they departed.

“The City Airport is very much part of the fabric of the community and by renaming the airport for the day we are joining members of the Green and White Army at home and in France in sending a huge message of support to Kyle and his team-mates for the Euros.”

The airport was officially renamed following the death of footballing ace George Best but signage on the terminal roof and at the entrance has been temporarily altered in honour of the current team’s top goal scorer.

There had been fears over Lafferty’s fitness after he sustained a groin injury earlier in the week but the 28-year-old returned to training and is expected to play a key role during the game in Nice.

The spokesman added: “George Best was one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen and we hope that this name change for the day will help inspire Kyle to glory against Poland and in the rest of the tournament.

“Who knows – we may see other major airports across Europe following suit and renaming in honour of one of their own footballing stars.”