Lawrence not ready to give up on Poland

Liam Lawrence insists his exclusion from the Republic of Ireland’s squad for last week’s friendly against the Czech Republic hasn’t dampened his Euro 2012 hopes.

Lawrence has featured regularly under Giovanni Trapattoni, making 15 appearances since his 2009 debut, but the winger hasn’t been capped since the Carling Nations Cup victory against Scotland last May.

“It’s going to be a huge summer for Ireland and the whole country is buzzing,” said Lawrence, who has joined Cardiff City on loan from cash-strapped Portsmouth until the end of the season.

“I wasn’t in the squad for the last game. That’s the first time in a couple of years I’ve been left out. It was hard to take, but I’ll focus on getting myself match-fit, playing at my best for Cardiff City and we’ll see what happens.

“If I’m doing well in a team playing good football then it will give me a chance. Ireland’s midfield is packed with quality but I believe in myself and if I’m playing regularly for City then you’d never know.”