The Lawrence masterclass

During a 20-year career which has taken in stops at clubs as diverse as Middlesbrough and Charlton, Lawrence has learned to survive the tough way by developing a happy nack of unearthing diamonds from a coal-pile.

But in 23-year-old striker David Nielsen, he could have stumbled across his most precious find yet.

It takes a special talent to set the pulses racing at Blundell Park.

But the jet-heeled frontman has done exactly that after bursting onto the First Division scene in spectacular fashion over the last seven days.

A goal and two assists on his full debut against QPR on Tuesday made him an instant hit with the Grimsby faithful.

Now, he's got Graeme Souness's Blackburn in his sights and, if he delivers again at Ewood Park tomorrow, then Rovers fans will know exactly who to blame -- their former manager Roy Hodgson!

For, it's through Lawrence's long-standing friendship with Hodgson, that Nielsen finds himself in England at all.

Deemed surplus to requirements at Hodgson's latest club, FC Copenhagen, where he has finished top scorer in each of the last three seasons, the ex-Ewood chief decided to do an old friend a favour when he came searching for a striker.

And if his three-month loan deal continues in the same vein as it's started then the arrangement could become permanent.

"When I was out of work in the summer after Luton sacked me, I went over to Denmark to watch him train and play and he was an eye-catcher even then," said Lawrence.

"Since then, he's been a sub a few times and sometimes not even played at all so I've kept my eye closely on the situation.

"It's a gamble and a chance because you don't know exactly how he's going to adjust so that's why I've got him on a three month loan.

"But there's been a price agreed and, if it's suitable to all parties, then we'll do it when the time comes."

The player, himself, however, feels he is perfectly suited to the English game after seeking the advice of fellow countrymen like Per Frandsen and Michael Johansen. Explosive pace and impressive upper body strength are vital weapons in his armoury.

And his arrival has already pepped up a goal-hungry strike-force which also features former Rovers man Steve Livingstone.

Tomorrow, Nielson and four-goal top scorer Livingstone are set to be thrown together again.

And their partnership is an intriguing mix of power and pace.

"I hope I can give the team another aspect," said Nielsen, whose father originates from Zaire.

"I've been told we have a lack of speed and that's one of my strengths.

"I hope the team will be thrilled they can play a ball for me to chase and I can go after it.

"This is a hard, physical league but I think I can use my speed and athleticism because those are attributes I do have.

"I've spoken with some of the Danish players who have played over here and they all think I'm going to do well.

"So this is a great chance for me.

"Copenhagen made two new signings upfront so somebody had to pay for that.

"I've been there for a long time -- three and a half years -- but even though I've been the top scorer for each of the last three seasons, it was me who had to make way.

"But I can accept that.

"Roy Hodgson understood when I told him that if someone came in for me I would want to go because I just want to play football."

Nielsen's arrival has given Town new optimism.

Tuesday night's 3-1 victory over QPR was the first time they have won back-to-back league games since October last year.

Tomorrow's trip to Ewood holds no fears.

"If we go to Blackburn and come back with something then that would be great," said Lawrence.

"We've got to realise that we are not just going to make up the numbers.

"We've got a lot of away games coming up and we need to get cracking and get some away points on the board."

That point was reiterated by Nielsen: "I think we can go to Blackburn and get a point. Even if we don't win, we can still do something because everyone is confident."