Lawrence feels happier after clear the air talks with Stoke boss

Liam Lawrence has spoken to Stoke boss Tony Pulis and feels more comfortable over his future with the Potters.

The midfielder has admitted that he started to question his future at the Britannia Stadium after struggling to force his way into Pulis' starting line-up.

The Republic of Ireland international, who signed a new four-year contract in the summer, discussed the situation with Pulis and was pleased with his manager's response.

"I needed to know what his plans were and if there was a problem," Lawrence told The Sentinel. "I just wanted to clear the air and get his perspective on things.

"He said there was no problem, just keep working hard and my time would come.

"I've read stuff where people said we had fallen out, but that wasn't the case. He just chose his teams, I wasn't in them, and we'd done well because we were ninth in the league.

"When we are sat that high, I can't grumble. It is just a relief to be in the team."

He added: "I want to stay for the remainder of that contract and maybe longer.

"These are my best years now and I feel as though I am playing some of my best stuff.

"I said to the manager that I just want to be playing football for Stoke and to get that chance again.

"I'm happy here and always have been. But I'm not someone who can pick up my money and be happy getting splinters in my backside sitting on the bench."