TT’s Lawrence unfazed by hero spotlight

LONDON: Wrexham’s Trinidad and Tobago international Denis Lawrence has emerged from a veil of obscurity ever since he scored the goal that qualified his country for their first ever World Cup finals. The 31-year-old scored the lone goal as TT eked out a 1-0 victory over Bahrain in the Gulf State on November 16, to secure their berth in Germany 2006. “I’ve been told I’ve become a hero since it happened,” Lawrence told the Independent Online. “I’m getting more attention now than I’ve had in my life, but I’ve only been in Trinidad for one day since it happened so it hasn’t affected me yet. When I do go back though, my life will have changed completely.

“I have spoken to my brother and mother a few times since the goal and they have had to deal with it more than I have. It has allowed them to do things they have never done before, such as go on TV chat shows, and they are enjoying every minute of it.” He added: “In a way it’s been good to be in Wales because I’ve been able to concentrate on my club and that has made it easier to handle everything.” Lawrence, an ex-soldier, signed for Welsh club Wrexham in 2000 after he was spotted by agent Mike Berry playing for the Defence Force team. Ever since, the tall defender has been one of the mainstays of Wrexham’s defence as well as providing the necessary height on the offensive end. He scored five goals last season. Berry said a testimony to Lawrence’s character was the fact that he had remained the same, despite the media attention.

“Dennis has taken one of the smallest nations in the world to the greatest show on the planet,” says Berry. “He walked down the streets of his home town like a conquering hero, and yet he is exactly the same person today as he was six years ago.” Now, like the rest of his team-mates, Lawrence is anxiously looking forward to turning out in the premier football showpiece next year where he will clash with England, Sweden and Paraguay in Group D.

“It means so much to the country. This is our one chance on the world stage to show that we are not underdogs and to prove a lot of people wrong,” Lawrence stressed. “It is not going to be easy, England are one of the best teams in the world, but we are a hard-working team who is very proud to represent our country and there is a real unity about us.” He continued: “We know we lack ability in comparison to the other so-called big teams, but we are a strong unit and that will work in our favour, plus we have a coach with great experience.”