DENNIS LAWRENCE last night vowed to give his all to Wrexham's League One survival push after being granted permanent UK residency.
The 30-year-old Trinidad international's change in status was confirmed by the Home Office yesterday, meaning he no longer needs a work permit to play in British football.
And Lawrence, who was signed from Trinidadian club Defence Force in 2001, told fans to brace themselves for a nerve-jangling end to the season as the Dragons chase League One safety and glory in two cup competitions.
"It's a great achievement to get my UK residency," said the 6ft 7in centre-back.
"I completed four years working in the country on March 5 and applied for residency straight away.
"It's a relief to have it all done and dusted. It means I can concentrate on playing now, so it's a massive weight off my shoulders.
"All the worrying is behind me. "I'm settled at Wrexham. I've bought a house in the area and my family have also got residency, so we're all delighted."
Dragons boss Denis Smith added: "It's good news for Dennis personally, and good for the club too. He's settled here as a player and he's also settled into the local community.
"He's earned the right to be a UK resident and I'm delighted for him."
Lawrence admits the pressure of knowing he needed to play regularly for his country in order to secure a work permit often played on his mind.
And he is relieved it's a problem he no longer needs to be concerned about.
"I wouldn't say I was always worried about it, but it was something I thought about a lot," he said.
"Now I've got residency, I'm in the driving seat. I can be fully focused on Wrexham now.
"I'm under contract at Wrexham for another two years and I'm delighted with that.
"I'm looking forward to concentrating on keeping us up. There is a lot of work ahead."
Although the Dragons are in the thick of a relegation dogfight and facing an uncertain future off the field, Lawrence is trying to remain upbeat as the club heads into the final few weeks of the season.
And the giant centre-back believes it would be a magnificent achievement if Wrexham could secure League One survival and go on to win the LDV Vans Trophy and FAW Premier Cup.
Wrexham face Bangor in the Premier Cup semi-finals next month, but it's the Millennium Stadium appearance against Southend on April 10 that's really got the fans' pulses racing..
Lawrence said: "We have the chance to turn what might have been a disastrous season into a massive triumph. When you look at the 10 points we had deducted and all the players we've had injured, it would be a great triumph if we could stay up and win the LDV Trophy and Premier Cup too.
"But the guys here are so professional and they aren't getting carried away.
"We can't think of Cardiff just yet, because the next game is Swindon in the league and that is all we should think about. When Cardiff comes round, we'll think about it then."
Lawrence becomes the third Wrexham player to be granted UK residency this season, following in the footsteps of international team-mates Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam.
The Dragons yesterday confirmed their home clash with Brentford - originally scheduled for March 25 but postponed due to international call-ups - will be played on Tuesday, April 19.