Craig Bellamy, head coach of Wales looks on during a Wales training session ahead of their Nations League matches against Iceland and Montenegro at…Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Craig Bellamy shares the £47.5m reason why Tom Lawrence isn’t in his Wales squad
As Rangers attacker Tom Lawrence impresses at Ibrox, you might think that the 30-year-old would be in line for a Wales recall.
The ex-Derby County captain hasn’t been capped by the Welsh national side since March 2021, with a serious car crash incident in 2019 hanging over the Rangers playmaker’s international career.
Ex-Rams boss Wayne Rooney also previously claimed there was a ‘bit of history’ between Lawrence former Wales manager Rob Page.
But now, new Wales manager Craig Bellamy insists it’s Premier League competition, and not Tom Lawrence’s past, which is keeping him out of the Dragons set-up.
READ MORE: Rangers injury latest on the five first-team Ibrox stars currently sidelined
Tom Lawrence of Rangers FC scores his team’s first goal past Lucas Perri of Olympique Lyonnais during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase M…
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Craig Bellamy explains Tom Lawrence snub
Over three years on from his last cap, ex-Manchester United youth Tom Lawrence is finally finding his feet at Rangers after two years of devastating injury problems.
The Welshman’s progress on the international stage was also stifled by that friction with outgoing Wales manager Page, who was replaced by Bellamy in July.
It’s led to much discussion as to why Lawrence – who has scored four goals for Rangers this season – has not been included in the Wales squad this time out.
Whilst Tom Lawrence missed the 2-0 win over St Johnstone with injury, the problem is not expected to keep the attacking midfielder out of the team for any length of time.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
The Rangers star has been crucial for the club this season, scoring the winner in 1-0 victories over Dundee United and Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
Craig Bellamy has been asked about the situation ahead of Wales’ UEFA Nations League clashes against Iceland (A) and Montenegro (H).
And the ex-Manchester City, Celtic and Newcastle United forward claims that it’s the form of alternative options, and not an international block, which has the left the Rangers star wanting.
Asked about Lawrence’s past having an impact on selection, as quoted by the Independent Bellamy said: “No, not at all. I’ve never once heard anything of that.
“It’s just the numbers. I have a certain amount of numbers I can go to.
“Tom is definitely a player I really like, but at this present moment there’s one or two players I’ve put in those positions.”
Premier League options trump Rangers attacker
The comments of Craig Bellamy come after Tom Lawrence himself discussed his international credentials earlier in the season.
Back in September, Lawrence revealed that he has an open and honest relationship with Craig Bellamy and has spoken to the Wales manager.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Lawrence claimed that there was a mutual agreement to leave the September squad with all eyes on an October call-up.
A call-up which hasn’t been forthcoming.
“The Wales manager and I agreed that it’s best for me to stay here and train and then when October comes we’ll have a discussion and see what’s the what then,” said Lawrence.
“I’ve never met the manager before so it was refreshing to have a conversation with him and we’ll see what the future brings
“It’s good that I can have that relationship with the manager. That’s the main thing.”
With any issues in the background now resolved, the question then is who is keeping Tom Lawrence out of the Welsh international set-up?
CARFAN CYMRU
Allen, Broadhead, Brooks, Burns, and Norrington-Davies return!
️ https://t.co/hsH0UFDnL1#NationsLeague | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/fTpVeKCiWw
— Wales (@Cymru) October 2, 2024
View Tweet
Premier League star Brennan Johnson is beginning to show why Spurs paid £47.5m to bring him to North London with three goals in his last three games.
Rangers players might learn from the attacker’s recent activity on social media too.
Wales also have the likes of Fulham attacker Harry Wilson in a similar position to Tom Lawrence, whilst Liverpool talent and Stoke City loanee Lewis Koumas has been preferred.
Whilst Lawrence isn’t back in the Wales international set-up, there is a place for 34-year-old Joe Allen, who has come out of retirement for the double-header.
Related Topics
Tom Lawrence
Related Posts
More in International
More in International
About Us
Editorial Policy
Meet The Team
Newsletter
Contact Us
Privacy
Complaints
Privacy Settings
a proud member of
© 2024 GRV Media Ltd. All Right
s Reserved
GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0WN
Company No. 04155089
