Lawrence rues 'paw' luck

Dog trip leaves Lawrence facing fitness race

By Pete Oliver   Last updated: 1st October 2008

Lawrence rues 'paw' luck

Lawrence: In the doghouse

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Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence is desperate to make a rapid return from his freak ankle injury to help the Potters improve on their poor start to the Premier League season.

Lawrence suffered a sprained ankle when he tripped over his dog and fell down the stairs and is a doubt for Stoke's visit to Portsmouth on Sunday.

"I'm gutted, I really am, because this was the last thing I needed. It could only happen to me," he said.

"I'm absolutely devastated, especially after losing on Saturday. I'm not one of these people who can settle for saying we are doing all right and just not getting the points.

"I want to be out there with the lads trying to get a win because I'm the sort of character who wants to put things right."

Bizarre

Lawrence sustained his bizarre injury when he got up in the night with an upset stomach and fell over his Labrador which was lying on a corner stair.

The 26-year-old could now miss the trip to Pompey, when Stoke will be looking for only their second league win of the season, while his prospects of forcing his way into the Republic of Ireland side may also be hit.

Lawrence is yet to make a senior appearance for the Irish and was due to play in a practice game next week ahead of his country's next World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on 15th October.

"I could have been getting myself back in there with a chance for the Irish, then this goes and happens," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"We've just got to see how long I'm out for, but obviously Sunday's game is a big worry for me now."