Tom Lawrence is desperate to go to a World Cup after feeling former Wales manager Rob Page blocked his path to the last tournament.
Lawrence is relishing the opportunity to make an impact for Wales in the upcoming qualification campaign, an opportunity he once feared was beyond his reach due to a falling-out with former manager Page.
The Rangers forward has been absent from the national team since March 2021, with former Derby boss Wayne Rooney previously suggesting that Page had overlooked Lawrence due to a "bit of history" between the pair.
But following Page’s dismissal last June, new Wales manager Craig Bellamy has recalled the 31-year-old as the squad prepare for their opening two qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
Reflecting on his time in international exile, Lawrence admitted he had doubts about his future with Wales.
"Yeah, I mean it all depends what manager was in charge,” he claimed.
“He had his own way of doing things and I wasn’t to be a part of that. For what reason, you’d have to ask him.
“I asked that same question, he couldn’t give me it.
“I’m a pretty simple guy. When someone’s not honest with me, then I don’t have all the respect in the world for them.
“There were questions I asked that weren’t answered and that was the way it went. I don’t think I need to go into it completely. Let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye in certain things."
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Despite missing out on Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, as well as suffering an injury that ruled him out of Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Lawrence remains optimistic about his international prospects.
“I did everything I could while I was here, while he (Page) was the manager.
“We were in a training camp (before the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 tournament) and he’d made a decision. That was his decision, not mine."
Now playing in Scotland, Lawrence’s fortunes have now taken a positive turn under Bellamy, who made it clear from the outset that he valued the forward’s abilities.
"Sometimes, I thought I wouldn't play for Wales again, but this manager has been brilliant since he came in.
“He rang me when he first got the job and he's kept in contact ever since. It was refreshing to hear him speak about how he wants to play and his philosophy. It was good on that front."
READ MORE: Confident Craig Bellamy Is Happy To Use England As A Stepping Stone For Wales To Reach The World Cup
Lawrence’s return to form has been timely, with his performances for Rangers earning him recognition.
He recently scored a crucial penalty in the Europa League victory over Fenerbahce and featured in their thrilling 3-2 win over Celtic at Parkhead.
"It’s not been a bad week, has it? Quarter-finals next against Bilbao in the Europa League and an Old Firm win on Sunday."
Having played in various attacking roles throughout his career, Lawrence’s versatility is something Bellamy values.
"I've had, I don't know how many conversations with the manager. Each time he's said about different positions so it's exciting.
“I think every player matures more and more. I can play in various positions for Rangers - centre-midfield, number 10, right wing, left wing, false nine - so it adapts.
“I've played in a lot of big games, I've been at Rangers and that's only going to help you, especially coming back into the international level, and hopefully I can help the team here."
Wales, unbeaten in Bellamy’s six games in charge and having topped their Nations League group in the autumn, will look to continue their momentum as they face Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Saturday before traveling to North Macedonia three days later.
For Lawrence, the focus is now on contributing to a side that has a renewed identity under Bellamy with a squad determined to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
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