'BOSUN HAS BIG POTENTIAL'

Former Potters coach O'Shea tips midfielder Lawal to make impact on the international stage

- Peter Smith

BOSUN Lawal has been backed to 'kick on like we expect' as he is on standby to make his senior Republic of Ireland debut tonight.

The 21-year-old endured a frustrating first season at Stoke City following his move from Celtic last summer, spending the first half of the campaign sidelined with a stress fracture in his lower back and only making his full debut on the final day of term.

But John O'Shea, the former Stoke coach who left the club before Lawal's arrival, believes the player's patience will pay off.

Lawal has been called up at the last minute for a friendly against Luxembourg (7.45pm) to bolster numbers, despite Heimir Hallgrimsson having no major fresh injury concerns, and showcase his potential ahead of a big year for club and country.