By Martin Spinks | Email to a friend | Digg |
Published: Tuesday 18 Nov 2008
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Stoke City midfielder aiming to be part of festive fixtures

STOKE’S talismanic midfielder Liam Lawrence is planning a Christmas comeback to boost City’s survival battle.

The 26-year-old was able to run yesterday for the first time since he injured his ankle when tripping over his dog on the top stair.

Lawrence is hoping to resume full training within the next three weeks, a schedule which would technically give him a chance of appearing in the home game with Fulham on December 13.

However, as he would still be well short of match fitness, the away game at Blackburn on December 20 or the home game with Manchester United on Boxing Day could be more realistic targets.

Lawrence hasn’t played since the home defeat to Chelsea on September 27.
Although City have climbed to 15th place in his absence, they have missed both the creative flair and goalscoring ability of the right-sided midfielder, who scored 15 times last season.

He said: “I have never been out injured for this long before and it is so frustrating.

“The lads have done really well to put us in a good position, but I want to be a part of it.

“The surgeon told me a week ago that it would be four weeks before I would be in training and in contention.

“It should be another two to three weeks before I am in full training and then, you never know, I might get a sniff after that.

“But I have to get fit because I haven’t been able to do much for six weeks now.

“I have been swimming and trying to keep my fitness up in different ways, but it has just been so frustrating not being able to run.”

Lawrence was in the stands at Old Trafford on Saturday. He is confident his team-mates can put that 5-0 mauling behind them in time for Saturday’s home game against West Brom.

He added: “The lads have done really well this season. We are not in the relegation zone. I know there are only a couple of points in it, but if we can get something this Saturday then we would be right up there again.”

“Last weekend was a very tough game because, on their day, Manchester United can do that to anybody.

“It is horrible to not be part of things. It is like you are the forgotten man when you are injured, but I’ll be back.

The midfielder’s return should also be good news for the Lawrence household.

“Me and the dog don’t talk any more,” he said. “The missus looks after him.”

Stoke skipper Andy Griffin will be fit to face West Brom on Saturday, but City are monitoring midfielder Seyi Olofinjana.

Griffin was substituted at Old Trafford as a precaution against a hamstring strain, but was back in training yesterday.

Stoke are hoping Olofinjana will be able to resume training this week after he was taken off on Saturday with a back problem.

STOKE City have reduced admission prices for their Carling Cup quarter-final clash with Derby County to £15 for adults and £5 for concessions.

The match will be played on Tuesday, December 2 (7.45pm). Tickets go on sale tomorrow to season ticket-holders and on general sale from November 25.