Lawrence hopes to win first cap

Lawrence scored three Premier League goals for Stoke City this season

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence is looking forward to the chance to make his Republic of Ireland debut against Nigeria on Friday.

Lawrence is in the squad for the Craven Cottage game, as they prepare to face Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier.

Lawrence, 27, told BBC Radio Stoke: "I'm looking forward to going away and hopefully getting my first cap.

"I hope I get it. My performances in recent weeks have warranted me getting a chance, so we'll wait and see."

Retford-born Lawrence received a call-up to the squad from then-manager Steve Staunton in March 2006, but failed to feature for the national team.

At club level, the 27-year-old has been part of the Stoke squad that comfortably achieved Premier League survival this season.

It was a struggle for me to get back and thankfully I've done it Liam Lawrence on his comeback from injury

The former Mansfield and Sunderland winger spent three months on the sidelines recovering from an ankle ligament injury, which he suffered by tripping over his pet Labrador at home in October.

However, he returned for the final stages of the season and scored crucial goals against Blackburn and Hull to ensure Stoke's safety.

"The Hull goal was an important goal for us, as was the one against Blackburn," added Lawrence.

"I'm just glad that I've got back in the side and I've done well. It was a struggle for me to get back and thankfully I've done it."