Lawrence hopes for Irish chance
from http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=8725
Liam Lawrence hopes to catch the eye of new Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton.
Lawrence qualifies to play for Ireland through his grandfather, despite being born of English parents, and hopes to become part of a new chapter in Irish football.
Staunton replaced Brian Kerr as Ireland manager this week and is on the look-out for new players ahead of his first game in charge, against Sweden on March 1.
Lawrence, who scored against Chelsea on Sunday, is ambitious to play international football after establishing himself at the Stadium of Light over the last 18 months.
Quote:
It would be a fantastic challenge for me. It's important I concentrate on Sunderland but if I do that and play well, I can only improve my chances of playing international football
The Black Cats midfielder has found some form in recent weeks and is hoping it leads to an international chance. He said: "I'd love to be involved with Ireland.
"It's a fresh start for the Ireland national team after appointing Steve Staunton and although I've had no contact with them yet, I've applied for an Irish passport.
"It would be a fantastic challenge for me. It's important I concentrate on my career with Sunderland, but if I do that and I keep playing well, then I can only improve my chances of playing international football."