Star in battle to regain status

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence is building up to a first-team return after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old has not enjoyed sitting out the last two months of action since he injured himself by tripping over his pet Labrador.

Lawrence told BBC Radio Stoke: "I've started light training, a bit of jogging and bike work so hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be fully fit.

"It's not nice to be sat on the sidelines watching but until I'm back I'll be cheering the lads on."

City's reigning Player of the Year had lost his place in the side prior to the injury, but he is chomping at the bit to get back into manager Tony Pulis' thoughts for a place, although he knows he faces a battle.

"The lads have been doing tremendously well in the time I've been out," said Lawrence.

"It's up to me to get back training, play some reserve games, show everyone what I'm all about and get back in the team."