LIAM LAWRENCE wants to force his way into Brian Kerr's World Cup plans after securing a Republic of Ireland passport.

The Sunderland midfielder qualifies to play for the Irish through his grandfather, James Diggins, who hailed from Killarney in Co Kerry on the Emerald Isle.

And Lawrence has been working on the necessary paperwork this week, so he should receive his new passport within the next month or so.

Sunderland scout Dave Bowman, also a talent-spotter for Kerr's national team, has been helping Lawrence in his bid to gain Irish nationality and now the midfielder is focused on trying to force his way into the squad aiming to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals.

The 23-year-old, only in his first season at the Stadium of Light, said: "I haven't spoken to Dave yet but he was helping me out with it and, hopefully, there will be no problems.

"That was the most important thing for me, to get the passport sorted so I and everyone else knew for certain that I was eligible and qualified.

"I know that it is not going to follow that I will walk into the squad but, obviously, I had to get to a position where Brian would be able to pick me if he wanted to."

Ireland have been made aware in recent weeks that Lawrence was seeking a passport and Kerr has watched the Black Cats star in action.

Lawrence was one of the men recommended to Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy last season as he looked to put together a squad capable of securing promotion to the Premiership - and eventually moved from Mansfield in a £175,000 deal.

Despite suffering a two month lay-off with an ankle injury this season, he has been scored seven goals from just 14 starts in the Championship, form which has alerted Kerr.

Lawrence said: "I know that he (Kerr) was there when we played Burnley a couple of weeks ago and I did OK in that game. But I wouldn't say I did anywhere near as well as I can.

"Since coming back from injury, I have been in and out of the team a bit. I can't really complain when I am not playing because we are on top of the table.

"But I have to concentrate on getting back in the Sunderland side on a regular basis before I can even start thinking about international football."

Kerr, meanwhile, has assured Stephen Elliott that his time will come, despite the Sunderland striker failing to find the target against China.

Elliott, an unused substitute as Ireland moved another point nearer World Cup qualification in Israel last weekend, won his second international cap as Kerr shuffled his pack at Lansdowne Road.

But, while the 21-year-old ran his heart out alongside Robbie Keane, he was unable to force a breakthrough before being withdrawn 16 minutes from time.

Ireland eventually won the game thanks to Clinton Morrison's late strike and, with the Birmingham striker struggling to hold down a place in the Premiership, Elliott's failure to find the target can be viewed as an opportunity missed.

But, with Ireland locked in a three-way tussle with Israel and France as they look to make next summer's World Cup finals, Kerr has told Elliott he remains a vital part of his squad.

"The best thing about the game was that it gave me the opportunity to look at players who have not had chances, yet have been very honest in their commitment," explained the Irish boss.

"Stephen Elliott, at the age of just 21, now has another game under his belt and that will help him to adapt to this level.

"I think we used the squad well and gave people a chance. I appreciate it's hard to maintain your enthusiasm when you come into a group knowing only a small number can be used in games.

"But that keeps everybody happy and feeling they are in with a chance of playing, and shows they are considered a worthwhile person within the group."

Elliott has forced his way into the full Irish squad thanks to a series of impressive displays for Sunderland since his summer move from Manchester City.

The youngster has grabbed 14 goals for the Black Cats and, with Marcus Stewart having weighed in with one more, the pair have fired Mick McCarthy's side to within touching distance of the Premiership.

The top-flight will move even closer if Sunderland win at QPR on Saturday and, while full-back George McCartney is unlikely to be fit for the trip to Loftus Road, Gary Breen and Julio Arca should both have recovered in time.

Danny Collins is unlikely to be available, although Sunderland officials yesterday revealed that he had not contracted glandular fever.

The versatile defender was sent home from international duty with Wales earlier this week, amid fears that he was suffering from the debilitating illness.

But tests have shown nothing more than a minor viral infection and, after completing a course of antibiotics, Collins could be back for next week's clash at Wigan.

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