Tom Lawrence has revealed Wayne Rooney was among his well-wishers after he signed a deal with Rangers. The Wales international had a close relationship with his former Derby County boss during a turbulent period for the EFL League One club.
Lawrence departed Pride Park at the end of last season and Giovanni van Bronckhorst moved swiftly to bring him to Ibrox earlier in July. That caught the attention of England legend, who Lawrence says got in touch with a good luck message.
The 28-year-old has impressed in-preseason and could make his competitive debut in Saturday's Premiership curtain-raiser away at Livingston. Speaking to Sky Sports at Ibrox, Lawrence was asked why he chose Rangers. And he replied: "Look around now, it speaks for itself. It's a great club and they win things every year. That's why I want to come here at my age, obviously I want to play in Europe as well. It's a big step for me. I had chats with family and things like that, obviously it's a big move coming here but one I'm looking forward to.
"I did speak to (Rooney) a little bit. Obviously he's happy for me, we had a great relationship on and off the pitch last year. It was all good."
Rangers received widespread acclaim last season with an odds-defying run to the Europa League final, where they ultimately lost out to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. Lawrence was asked directly if watching the club blaze a trail on the continent played a part in his desire to join.
He answered: "Yeah, I watched quite a few games last year in the Europa League. As a player you want to play at the highest level and test yourself, so that's what I want to do.
"I want to create goals, score goals and give 100 per cent for the team. And hopefully that's how it goes!"
