LIAM Lawrence has been unable to relax since joining Sunderland - but the all-action midfielder isn't complaining about the lack of a "comfort zone".

Lawrence has featured in all three of the Black Cats' Coca-Cola Championship games this season after making a summer move from League Two side Mansfield.

The 22-year-old scored 18 goals in last season's Third Division to become one of the most sought-after players outside the top-flight.

But, despite spearheading Mansfield's surge to the play-offs, Lawrence admits that there were times when he allowed his concentration levels to drop.

His fine pre-season form has seen him promoted to Sunderland's starting line-up in recent weeks but, with the likes of Sean Thornton and Dean Whitehead breathing down his neck, he knows he cannot afford similar lapses at his new club.

"I know I'm going to have to keep my standards high," said Lawrence, whose marauding runs down the right flank have quickly endeared him to the Stadium of Light faithful.

"When I was at Mansfield last season I was able to operate in the comfort zone a lot more because I knew I was virtually guaranteed a starting place.

"It couldn't be more different here. The competition for places, especially in midfield, is intense. If you have one bad half, let alone a game, you could be taken out of the team just like that.

"That's one of the biggest changes I've noticed and it's a definite leap in standard. You have to be at your best the whole time."

By signing Lawrence and former Oxford midfielder Whitehead, Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy has bucked the recent trend of ignoring the lower reaches of the Coca-Cola League.

Other Championship managers have chosen to invest in veteran Premiership performers this summer, with the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Michael Ricketts and Dion Dublin all set to face Sunderland at some stage this season.

"There are some very good players in the bottom two divisions," said Lawrence. "You only have to look at the impact Jonathan Stead made when he moved from Huddersfield to Blackburn.

"But Premiership clubs aren't willing to spend money and take a risk. That's disappointing for players like me, who began their career at a smaller club. I know a few players who are quite capable of playing at this level and I hope they get spotted."

* Sunderland's opening home match in the FA Barclaycard Premiership Reserve League ended in a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers - but it was almost washed out.

The referee took the players off the Durham City field after just six minutes as hail, rain, thunder and lightning rendered conditions too dangerous to continue.

But after a delay of 15 minutes play resumed and the Black Cats made up for lost time, Chris Kingsberry firing home a low drive.

Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick protected the lead with a fine save from the lively David Thompson, but after turning a free-kick from Thompson behind, he was beaten in the 44th minute, Thompson heading home a right-wing corner from Gary Harkins.

Matt Jansen hit the inside of the post after going clear in injury time and only Alnwick's timely intervention prevented Harkins from scoring early in the second half.

Sunderland: Alnwick, Williams, Lynch, Dickman, Clark (Smith 45), Collins, Kingsberry, Whitehead, Wanless, Leadbitter, Ryan.

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