SIR BOBBY ROBSON has revealed how Liam Lawrence's role in helping Sunderland claim a point against Tottenham on Sunday was enough to secure a first international call-up for the Republic of Ireland.

Lawrence was yesterday named in Steve Staunton's squad to face Sweden on March 1 and Robson, assisting Staunton in his manager's role, recommended Lawrence was given a chance.

It has vindicated Lawrence's determination to land an Irish passport after a season when he has shown plenty of personal promise while his club have struggled to come to terms with life in the Premiership.

Ireland's new managerial team are looking forward to working with the Black Cats star.

"I was asked to take a look at him by Steve, who knows more about the Irish players than me and he had heard some good things about him," said Robson, who was at the Stadium of Light to witness Sunderland draw 1-1 with Spurs.

"I liked what I saw. He is very hard working, has got a bit of ability on the ball and can spot a clever pass, something I've always liked in a player.

"He is technically good and looks as if he can score a few goals as well.

"It's an opportunity for him to link up with the squad and for us to have a close look at him in training. We'll see what he can do and that will determine whether he plays or not."

Northern Echo SPORT revealed ten months ago how the Nottinghamshire-born player - a £175,000 find from Mansfield - had taken the first steps to being called up after securing Irish nationality.

Yesterday, after learning of his inclusion in Staunton's 23-man party, Lawrence described the elation he felt when he heard the news he was in line to play some part in the friendly at Lansdowne Road.

"I am buzzing,'' he said. "There were rumours going round the training ground and the lads have been winding me up about it. Then Gary Breen said there was a good chance I might get the call-up because he'd spoken to a couple of people and it was looking promising. I haven't stopped smiling all day.

"Fingers crossed everything will be OK but just to be around the Ireland squad and with such great players is fantastic for me.

"I was playing at Mansfield Town a couple of years ago and I really couldn't have imagined this would happen to me."

Lawrence qualifies to play for the Irish through his grandfather, James Diggins, who hailed from Killarney in Co Kerry.

After learning he had an opportunity of playing for Ireland he then put the wheels in motion to secure the passport, with help from Sunderland scout Dave Bowman, who also has strong links with the Irish camp.

It had looked as if Brian Kerr, a regular spectator when Lawrence was in action in the Championship, would have been the man to call Lawrence up.

But, having departed after failing to qualify for the World Cup, Staunton and Robson have followed up the interest.

And Lawrence felt his chance on the international scene would come.

"It is something I looked into a while ago and when I checked up and found I was eligible I got straight on to it," said Lawrence, who was not at his best in Wednesday's defeat to Blackburn.

"I knew my chance wouldn't come straight away but I just wanted to be in a position where I could play if I got called up.

"It is another great step for me. It is all happening very quickly and I don't really know if this will hit me until I get over to Ireland and join up with the rest of the lads in the squad."

Sunderland team-mates Stephen Elliott and Gary Breen have also been included but Elliott, without a game since November 5, will have to prove his fitness beforehand, with a reserve game pencilled in for next week.