Manchester United’s latest Welsh wizard Tom Lawrence could earn his first senior Wales cap this week when the Dragons take on Holland this Wednesday.
The tricky attacker has shrugged off a hamstring injury that forced his withdrawal from the Welsh under-21 squad and has been named as one of 23 players heading to the Amsterdam Arena.
The 20-year-old made his first appearance for the Red Devils against Hull only to be replaced in the 70th minute by boyhood idol and fellow Welshman Ryan Giggs – who has since retired as the most successful British footballer ever.
“Ryan Giggs obviously gave me my debut and that has been massive in my career, but he has also helped me along the way and given me guidelines and I take everything on board that he tells me,” said Lawrence.
“Having Giggs at Manchester United is a massive help especially if h gives me my debut he obviously believes in me and hopefully I can going on and on now.”
The United legend gave his fellow statesman a debut appearance after Giggs was left in charge for the final four games of the 2013/14 campaign due to the abrupt sacking of struggling manager David Moyes.
Lawrence has been capped at under-17s, under-19s and under-21s level by Wales, but spent most of the 2013-14 season on loan.
The Wrexham-born player had spells at League One Carlisle and with Yeovil in the Championship before making a name for himself in the United first team – courtesy of Giggs.
Lawrence said: “The aim is go over there (Holland) and spoil the party, we hope to get a good performance out there and hopefully a result as well.
“Hopefully I can do well and then get a spot for the Euro qualifiers and kick on from there. I hope I can make my debut and catch the eye of a few people.”
The budding star is in line for a starting spot, with the travelling team including six uncapped players and six more who are still young enough for under-21 football.
With Wales failing to qualify for the World Cup finals, head coach Chris Coleman is looking to the pool of talented youngsters as he hopes to build for the future enabling his side to earn a place at the 2016 European championship.
Main image courtesy of OfficialCUFC via YouTube, with thanks.
