Emilio Lawrence was given his first start for the Hatters on Saturday - pic: David Horn / PRiME Media Imagesplaceholder image
Emilio Lawrence was given his first start for the Hatters on Saturday - pic: David Horn / PRiME Media Images
Lawrence starts against Lincoln City this afternoon
New Town signing Emilio Lawrence is determined to showcase his attacking talents after getting his first chance of senior men’s football when agreeing to join the Hatters from Manchester City for the second half of the campaign.
The 20-year-old has had a hugely successful time in the youth ranks since arriving at the Etihad from Everton in 2022, as this term he has scored three goals and added four assists when featuring in the Premier League International Cup, Premier League 2 and Vertu Trophy. He also impressed for Scotland U21s, netting four goals in a 12-0 Euro qualifier win over Gibraltar U21s, while last term he was on target seven times, also gaining seven assists in the Premier League 2.
It saw Luton make their move for an attacker deemed as one of the best players in his age-group when heading to City earlier in his career, as on what he wants to demonstrate during his time in Bedfordshire, Lawrence, speaking to the club’s official website, said: “It's men’s football, everyone’s getting their first taste of it, it’s very different, which makes me more excited to be here and get used to that sort of football.
“When I spoke with Jack (Wilshere), he was very straightforward with me and said, ‘I just want you to come here, be yourself, express yourself on the pitch, take people on and just be confident’. It gives me a push to know that backing is there from the manager, so it gives me confidence. I’ll bring a lot of one v one attacking, trying to be as direct as possible, get as many shots in, crosses in, anything to help the team and get the goals in really. I’ve never played in front of a crowd before, the most we get is a few hundred in under 21s football, so I’m just excited to get out there in front of a crowd, especially the Luton fans. I can’t wait.”
Lawrence had his first opportunity from the word go as he was in from the start for the 2-1 win over Stevenage last Saturday, playing as part of a new-look front three that contained Nahki Wells and Gideon Kodua. He took his time building into the contest, but did begin to look more at home in the latter stages of the first half, with the odd foray forward on the left flank, before being replaced by Cohen Bramall on the hour mark.
He got another hour when Town took on Swindon Town in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday evening, one of four players to remain in the starting XI and demonstrated some of the ability that saw Wilshere so eager to bring him to Bedfordshire and let Milli Alli join Portsmouth on loan, as he showed some real intent on the wing, winning an early penalty that was converted by Jerry Yates.
Lawrence has kept his place for this afternoon’s home clash with Lincoln City too, as on getting his chance to play for the first team, having only experienced the Vertu Trophy with City’s U21s previously, he added: “It does really help, you get a feel of what men’s football is about. Obviously it’s a lot different because its a full 11 of youngsters versus 11 full of seniors, but you really do learn a lot with how much faster and more physical the game is compared to youth football.
"It feels great, I’m just really excited to be playing in front of the fans and getting to know my team-mates. Everton was my home for about 10 years, I joined there as the U6s to the U16s, then I joined City going into the U18 season and then that was just a whole different experience as well. I learned so much, but I felt it was the right time to come away and get some senior football."
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