DENNIS LAWRENCE has enjoyed the ultimate rags to riches story. But the popular Wrexham defender would not have had it any other way.
It wasn't that long ago that money was tight for the likeable Lawrence. So much so that he had to make his boots 'last' in games of footy with mates in the Morvant community near Trinidad's capital, Port of Spain.
Now, though, it's a different story; Boots are the least costly item he has been offered for free. Lawrence has been inundated with gifts from companies just in exchange for endorsing their brand, from clothes to cars.
It's astonishing what becoming a World Cup hero can do for your profile!
The 31-year-old centre-back's amazing Roy-of-the-Rovers journey will be completed next summer when the 6ft 7in giant graces the World Cup finals in Germany and lines up before the galacticos of planet football.
Trinidad and Tobago's first ever World Cup finals appearance is due in no small part to his contribution.
Lawrence's headed winning goal in a tense World Cup play-off against Bahrain hasn't just made him a present-day national hero, it has immortalised his colossus stature in Soca Warriors history.
Rubbing shoulders with the world's elite is a far cry from Lawrence's soccer schooling on the streets of the Morvant ghetto.
"I used to play five-a-side in the afternoon on the streets of the Morvant," recalled Lawrence.
"I never went to any coaching clinics with the professionals because it cost too much. My parents had enough to ensure that the family was well kept, but as far as football was concerned money was a little tight.
"My dad, Alston, who was a plumber, bought me some boots, but I had to make them last. I couldn't play competitively because the cost was an obstacle when it came to travelling to games, so I slogged it out on the streets and learned the hard way.
"It was a struggle for me to convince my parents that I could achieve things in football as they wanted me to have a proper job.
"In hindsight I can now see what they were saying, but at the time I was focused on becoming a footballer so I had to fight to get them to believe in my ability.
"I did think about becoming a fireman, but that was a very distant second to football."
Eventually Lawrence signed up for the Trinidad and Tobago army as a 'secure job that guaranteed pay at the end of every month'. He became a Private and played for the Forces' representative side, Defence Force, that was successful in their domestic league.
Lanky Lawrence was spotted playing for Defence Force by British agent Mike Berry following a recommendation from fellow Trinidad and Tobago international Clayton Ince after Ince's move from the Caribbean to Crewe.
He enjoyed a week-long trial alongside Alan Shearer and co at Newcastle United before another try-out at fellow Premiership giants Bolton Wanderers.
Trotters chief Sam Allardyce offered him a short-term deal, but Lawrence wanted to follow countrymen Carlos Edwards and Hector to Wrexham because he felt 'more comfortable' at the industrial north Wales town.
Lawrence has become a Racecourse regular, experiencing a right roller-coaster with Wrexham - but no promotion high can compare with qualifying for a World Cup.
But therein lies a heartache.
"Probably the saddest thing in qualifying for the World Cup is that my dad wasn't there to share the joy with me," he said.
"My mum Gail and him were my biggest fans. They supported me immensely, but unfortunately my dad passed away in 2000 just before I joined Wrexham. That was a really sad time for me.
"But knowing my dad as I do, his spirit would have been with me as I celebrated qualifying for the World Cup."
Lawrence couldn't stop remembering his father's influence as he celebrated with 'his' community of Morvant in the aftermath of his World Cup heroics against Bahrain.
"I couldn't believe the reception when I returned home for a couple of hours," he said. "People I grew up with lined the streets waiting to get a glimpse of me and wanting to shake my hand.
"I was honestly expecting a quiet few hours at home with my mum and brother; I never imagined such scenes. It brought a little tear to my eye.
"It was so special and I won't forget that reception for the rest of my life. It meant as much to me as scoring. But I'm from such a close-knit community I suppose I should have expected a party!"
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning declared a public holiday in the wake of their World Cup adventure as their county became the smallest in terms of population (1.262m) to qualify for the World Cup. Now Lawrence is waiting Friday's World Cup finals group draw in Leipzig with bated breath.
He just can't wait to find out which of his football idols he'll be rubbing shoulders with - and marking - next summer.
"I'll be so nervous," he said. "I hope gaffer Denis Smith allows me five minutes off training to watch it! I don't mind who we draw. I'll take anyone. I'm just glad to be at a World Cup."
Laid back Lawrence's life has changed beyond recognition since that goal three weeks ago; from just another League two defender to a World Cup superstar.
"I've been on Sky, BBC and just about every TV station there is," he said. "And last week the cameras from Football Mundial followed me around for a day. I'm actually a shy person, but with real achievement comes great responsibility and I must learn to deal with it.
"There's a big hype, especially back home, because Dennis Lawrence scored the goal that earned Trinidad and Tobago a place in Germany 2006. That might be true but we've done it as a team.
"I'm glad to accept praise but I've done it for the team and my country."