Quite how Lawrence's degree in American Literature is going to help him open a pub or own racehorses after he retires is anyones guess
Lawrence took an unusual route into the professional game, earning a degree in American Literature while playing college football in the US before returning to make the breakthrough with Wycombe Wanderers.
Having begun as a midfielder, he moved to right-back at Adams Park, where he gained a reputation as hard working, if not particularly attack-minded. Consistency has remained the model throughout his career, which has also taken in Fulham, a further two years at Wanderers and six years at Millwall.
He moved across south London to Palace in the summer of 2006 and was a key player in the club’s renaissance under Neil Warnock in 2007-08, both at right-back and centre-half.