The 29-year-old claims that he went to Ibrox to compete rather than watch from the sidelines.
Rangers star Tom Lawrence now acknowledges that it was a mistake to rush back to play two important games just five days apart.
However, he is certain that he won’t be asked to do it again now that Philippe Clement is in control at Ibrox. In September’s 2-0 victory over St Johnstone, the Welshman made his season debut after missing a whole year and only playing in about 20 minutes of first team action.
Former manager Michael Beale believed it was reasonable to presume that he would be in good enough shape to suit up for the following game, which is the Gers’ Europa League debut at home against Real Betis, having started and completed the match in Perth. However, it turned out to be a costly mistake as Lawrence’s overexertions, which forced him off an hour into the 1-0 victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s La Liga team, resulted in a new ailment that required another six weeks of rest.
The 29-year-old has learned from the experience not to strain his injured knee too much while recovering from it, which occurred at the conclusion of a Premiership match against Ross County, 18 months ago. On the other hand, he is aware that Clement will be monitoring his progress with worry and won’t push him beyond his comfort zone.
Lawrence remarked of his lengthy absence, “which is very frustrating,” following his sixth start of the season in Sunday’s victory over St. Mirren. You sustain another injury right when you feel like things are improving. That’s annoying, but ultimately, it’s just football.
“I’ve tried my hardest to regain my playing form, and I hope to be able to play as many games as possible. I’ve had nice relations with the manager. All he’s trying to do is get me into a comfortable routine.
Before the game on Sunday, I told him that I felt terrific. I think I’m returning to my peak fitness, and perhaps Sunday’s performance demonstrated that. I had a great feeling when I initially returned after that year away.
“Perhaps the two games in such a short amount of time didn’t really help me out. However, in terms of fitness, I feel like I’m back to my best, and maybe it reflects in my work. Even though the manager trains us very hard, you may train all you want, but it won’t be the same as playing a match.
Training and match fitness are entirely different, and that’s what I’m aiming for in the bank. How much more can I possibly give? ideally a great deal more.
You approach it session by session and game by game. I sincerely hope I can play football at my best. The gaffer has been incredibly helpful in assisting me in getting my rhythm. He won’t just toss me in as previous managers have done in the past if he senses that I’m a little worn out. He does a great job of checking in with me to see how I’m feeling.
When Clement starts the process of bringing in his own players next month, his thoughts on the state of the team he inherited from Beale may become more apparent. Lawrence, though, is prepared to defend his position. “I’ve played this game for long enough,” he declared. “I believe that every manager occasionally thinks about those things.
But see, it all comes down to what we do on the field. You are going to feel the pressure if you don’t perform.
Rangers hosted Stephen Robinson’s Buddies, and while they weren’t exactly playing at their best, they still managed to win after frustrating draws with Aberdeen and Aris Limassol. Todd Cantwell and Abdallah Sima shared credit for both of the goals scored by the Senegalese attacker.
However, Lawrence also received recognition from Clement, who emphasized his performance in a novel anchor midfield role. “It was a little deeper than I have been used to in the past,” he remarked. However, the manager requested me to do it, and I was more than capable because I had done it several times at Derby.
“I’m familiar with the part, and I had a great time doing it. We always try to play the game at a fast pace. In fact, I thought we performed admirably on Sunday. The important thing is that, after the game, he was happy in the changing room; I’m not sure how the manager observed it from the sidelines.
When asked if he saw any indications that the Gers were developing under their new coach, he replied, “I believe so.” Look, we drew both our matches with Aris and Aberdeen. However, I believed that we still had a chance to win those games, and if we do, then everyone’s voice is slightly different.
“But we have only been together for a short while, and we are all still learning. In the end, we will succeed.”
When the Ibrox supporters travel to Hampden on December 17 to play Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup final, they hope that their team will be ready. However, Lawrence reassured the Gers supporters that nobody, least of all himself, is taking the opportunity to win the first trophy of the season lightly. “It’s massive, I think it’s big for everyone,” he exclaimed. That’s what you strive for—to win as many prizes as you can every year.
“There’s no denying that I came here to win trophies. It goes without saying that I’ve had a difficult time, but now is the right time to start. It would boost our team’s confidence as a whole. And if we can grab that early silverware, that’s a significant deal for everyone in that changing room.
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