World Cup qual - Lawrence delight at Ireland call

Eurosport - Wed, 27 May 10:06:00 2009

Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence is happy to swap his holiday for a chance at getting Republic of Ireland closer to next year's World Cup.

FOOTBALL Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence, who expressed his delight at being called up by Republic of Ireland and is desperate to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - 0

Lawrence, rewarded for his form this season with a call-up to Giovanni Trapattoni's squad, should be in Las Vegas celebrating Stoke's Premier League survival.

But he is set to face Nigeria in a friendly at Craven Cottage on Friday before heading to Sofia for a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

The 27-year-old said: "I was supposed to be in Vegas with the Stoke boys for a celebration but that got cancelled sharply and I unpacked the shorts and flip-flops. I'd give that up any day to play this week.

"It's good to be back in the squad and hopefully I'll get my chance. I didn't think it was going to come but I've been playing every week and doing well.

"It's given me a chance and hopefully I'll take it. The bar is raised again and it is up for me to step up."

PA Sport

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