Stoke

The Republic of Ireland international, 28, has been at the Britannia Stadium since 2006 after initially arriving on loan from Sunderland, but he was extremely tempted to move on this summer to try his luck in the SPL.

Lawrence’s admission came after Lennon, who was handed the manager’s job at the Bhoys permanently during the close season, declared his interest in taking the five-cap attacker north of the border.

However, Celtic’s spending plans appear to hinge on the sale of £10m-rated Aiden McGeady which left Lawrence in limbo as far as a switch to Parkhead is concerned.

But with just days to go before the start of the new Premier League – Stoke travel to Wolves on Saturday – Lawrence has decided to stick with the Potters and rule out a move away from the club for the time being (Wolves v Stoke 12/1 – Opening Day Fixtures – Game With Most Goals).

He told the Scottish Sun: “The idea of a move to Celtic was really appealing at the end of last season.

“It has gone on for so long now and they have bought a lot of players. Clearly, they’ve had plenty of opportunity to come and get me but for whatever reason it hasn’t happened.

“Stoke have been brilliant with me, stating they were prepared to give me the chance of a move if the conditions were right.

“I really wanted the opportunity to play for Celtic. If they had come in for me I would’ve been happy to go.”

Lawrence added: “With things dragging on it has given me time to reconsider everything.

“I have had a brilliant pre-season with Stoke, I’ve really enjoyed it, and now I feel I’ve got to be fair with them. I feel the best thing for me now is to stay and try to play in the Premier League.”

Stoke defied the odds to finish 11th last season and boss Tony Pulis is looking for them to kick on again this term.

The Welshman has already made room in his squad by parting company with the likes of Amdy Faye, Andy Griffin and Steve Simonsen, although so far he has only brought in Belgium youth international Florent Cuvelier from Portsmouth on a two-year contract.

Pulis’ number one aim is to land a big targetman and he has been linked with West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Sunderland hitman Kenwyne Jones.

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