Career Summary

Liam, who qualifies for Ireland through parentage, won his maiden cap for the Republic of Ireland in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria in May 2009, three years after he received his first call-up to the panel.

He scored a magnificent goal from a free kick as Ireland beat South Africa in a friendly in his second match. And in his third he played a clever pass from a free to enable his club colleague, Glenn Whelan, fire home an inspiring opening goal as Ireland drew with Italy in a World Cup qualifying tie at Croke Park on 10/10/'09.

Lawrence spent five years at Mansfield Town before Sunderland came calling but it's been his latest club, Stoke City, that the winger's influence has been most profound.

The winger recovered from injury to take his place in the Stoke City side for the second half of the campaign and his form was a key factor in them generating enough points to stay in the Division by the end of the 2008/9 season.

He was one of five players who made their debuts for Ireland in the friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage, London, on May 29, 2009. He played so well when he was first-choice for both legs of the World Cup play-off matches against France that it was difficult to accept that these were only his fourth and fifth matches at international level.