Lawrence joined Stoke from Sunderland in November 2006

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence says he has held talks with manager Tony Pulis over his future at the Britannia Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international has started just 13 Premier League games for the Potters this season.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've spoken at length. The gaffer knows me really well and he knows that all I want to do is play football."

Lawrence still has three years left to run on his current contract with Stoke.

The 28-year-old, who scored City's second goal in the 2-0 victory over Hull on Saturday, continued: "I'm a professional guy and I need to be playing football.

606: DEBATE We definitely need another right-sided midfield player/winger for next season 1972_STOKIE

"I've bided my time well this season, I've played the last couple of games and I'm relieved to have scored."

Lawrence moved to the Britannia Stadium from Sunderland in November 2006 and has made 111 appearances for the Potters.

He was named as the club's player of the year for the 2007-08 season when the Potters won promotion from the Championship to the top flight.

But competition for places in the Stoke midfield has increased following Dean Whitehead's arrival, also from Sunderland, while striker Tuncay has at times been deployed as a winger by Pulis.

"I've seen the club go from a mid-table side in the Championship to a mid-table side in the Premier League in the three years that I've been here," added Lawrence.

"[Republic of Ireland manager] Giovanni Trapattoni has spoken to me about it and I do need to be playing to keep involved with the squad because I've been playing quite regularly for Ireland.

"I'm not one of those that will sulk and moan. I'm happy at Stoke, I'll finish the season here and I'll try and finish it as strongly as I can."

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