Southampton defender had shoulder pulled out in first training back

He has won a young player of the season award, suffered a serious ankle injury, had his shoulder pulled out and still caught Martin's eye. 

The 21 year old centre-back joined Saints from non-league Glebe FC in February 2022 and soon emerged as a key man for the under-21s.

Having been out on loan for the last 12 months, Martin has called Lawrence in to get a closer look at his skill set under the club’s new direction. 

Lawrence told the Daily Echo: "I have been training consistently with the first team. Being up there has been a big difference to under-21s.

Nico Lawrence in training with Southampton's first team (Image: Southampton FC)

"It’s harder and the intensity is way higher but every time I am up there, I am just trying to be the best person I can.

"The playing style is very similar to what I like and it’s a case of adapting to passing and moving. There are parts of that I need to develop."

The youngster added: "Especially if I want to get to the top with this team. Training with them has massively improved me.

"The playing style is how I want to play but only time will tell. I will keep pushing myself and keep working and maybe doors might open.

"Unfortunately, I didn’t get to stay the whole season at Colchester but it feels good to be back."

Lawrence made 20 appearances for National League Torquay during his first senior loan during the second half of the 2022-23 season. 

Gary Johnson's side were unable to stave off relegation from the fifth division but Lawrence was voted the club's young player of the year. 

"Torquay helped me grow, especially mentally," Lawrence said. 

Nico Lawrence is back playing for Saints in Premier League 2 (Image: Southampton FC)

"Being in a relegation scrap isn’t the greatest but as time went on there were a lot of games where we actually needed three points.

"We won quite a few and we got into scenarios where we had to make late decisions on how to hold a lead and all sorts." 

He continued: "It was hard - but I enjoyed it, being in that situation is where a lot of people can sink but it helped me build confidence.

"I wanted to be the standout player and help the team get where we needed to be - it was unfortunate we didn’t do it in the end." 

Lawrence was set to continue his progress with a loan at League Two Colchester United, making a strong early impression. 

However, an awkward landing meant he sustained a serious ankle ligament injury in first half added time of his fifth appearance in August. 

Disappointed for Southampton defender Nico Lawrence, who has also suffered an injury this weekend.

On loan at Colchester United, Lawrence was stretchered off with an ankle concern during a 3-0 win at Gillingham.

Wish the youngster all the best with his recovery. 😇#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/a8yXDoyI8Q

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 27, 2023

It meant he was sidelined until November and the torment continued on his first day back in team training, requiring surgery again. 

"It was my first training session back, I felt confident and then someone pulled my shoulder out," Lawrence revealed. 

"That was my confidence knocked again. I was shocked, I never expected that to happen to me.

"I started quite strong but I had the ankle injury and then my shoulder. It was not nice at all, so this season has been about mental growth. 

"I am not used to being injured. I have been able to see things from different perspectives. Hopefully, that will help me in future seasons."

Nico Lawrence made five appearances for Colchester United (Image: PA)

He added: “Sometimes I didn’t meet the timeframe of when I was meant to come back but then you have to show resilience.

“I had players that are quite experienced and guys who have gone through the same thing help me on the way.

“There was a few other injured lads and we were doing things together. When you’re doing it together, it gives you confidence and drive to do it the right way.”