AliousRangers forward Tom Lawrence is eager to make up for lost time after earning a recall to the Wales national team for the first time in four years.
The 31-year-old last represented his country in March 2021 during a friendly victory over Mexico but was subsequently frozen out by former Wales manager Rob Page. His absence was reportedly linked to past issues between the two, something his former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney alluded to as a “bit of history” between them. However, with Page now replaced, Lawrence has been given a fresh opportunity as Wales begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
When asked about his prolonged omission from the squad and whether he felt his international career was slipping away, Lawrence acknowledged that his fate depended on the managerial situation. He suggested that Page had his own way of doing things, which did not include him, but he was never given a clear explanation for his exclusion.
“I asked the question, and he couldn’t give me an answer,” Lawrence said. “I’m a straightforward guy—when someone isn’t honest with me, it’s difficult for me to have full respect for them. There were things I wanted clarity on, but I never got the answers. Let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye on certain matters.”
Despite missing out on major tournaments such as Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup under Page’s leadership, Lawrence insists he has no regrets. He maintained that he did everything within his control to be part of the squad but ultimately had to accept the manager’s decision. His misfortune with international tournaments extends further back, as he was also ruled out of Wales’ historic Euro 2016 semi-final run due to an ankle injury sustained in a pre-tournament training camp.
Now, however, Lawrence finds himself in a positive place. His return to the national team coincided with a remarkable week at club level. He played a crucial role in Rangers’ Europa League triumph over Fenerbahçe, scoring the winning penalty, before making a substitute appearance in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Celtic at Parkhead.
Reflecting on his eventful return, Lawrence expressed his excitement about being back in the Wales setup. “It’s been a pretty good week, hasn’t it? A Europa League quarter-final against Bilbao coming up and a big Old Firm win,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like I’ve been away for that long. As soon as you’re back in camp, everyone is together again, and it feels great.”
Although much has changed since he last donned the Welsh jersey—including a new manager, new coaching staff, and a younger squad—Lawrence is eager to adapt. “I’ve got a few more grey hairs now, but I’ve been following the team, and they’ve been fantastic. It’s just about adjusting to how the manager wants us to play and soaking everything in,” he added.
Having played in several high-pressure matches with Rangers, Lawrence believes his experience can benefit the national team. With Wales currently on an unbeaten run under Craig Bellamy, who guided them to the top of their Nations League group, the squad is in good form heading into Saturday’s match against Kazakhstan in Cardiff, followed by an away fixture against North Macedonia three days later.
Alious
