WREXHAM defender Dennis Lawrence admits Wales' forthcoming friendly with Trinidad & Tobago will be extra special for him.
The two countries are to meet in Austria on Saturday May 27 as part of the Soca Warriors' World Cup preparations and John Toshack's build-up to the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
It was Lawrence's goal in the play-off final against Bahrain that earned the Caribbean twin-island nation a place at Germany 2006 this summer.
Trinidad have been drawn against England, Sweden and Paraguay in Group B of the tournament and Lawrence feels the eagerly-awaited meeting with Wales will prove very useful.
"It's going to be extra special because Wales feels like my adopted nation," said the giant centre-half, speaking before last night's dramatic Premier Cup match against TNS.
"Wales have a good team and this match will be good preparation. It will be beneficial ahead of us facing England."
This will be Trinidad's first appearance in a World Cup finals and the anticipation is mounting.
However, Lawrence stresses the importance of remaining focused on helping steer the Dragons to promotion back into League One.
"When I speak to the other Trinidad players we are excited about the World Cup and are looking forward to it.
"But between now and then we have to focus on club football. There are a lot of games still to be played and I'm trying to stay focused on Wrexham."
Wales' meeting with Trinidad at the Liebherr GAK Stadium in Graz comes less than 24 hours before the League Two play-off final.
But Lawrence would not have been able to feature in that fixture anyway should Wrexham book their place in the final.
A Fifa ruling means World Cup-bound players are unable to turn out for their clubs after May 15 - the Champions League final excepted - to prevent burn-out.
Lawrence added: "Between now and then if we can put together a good run of results we can aim for the top three and get automatic promotion."
Another Wrexham player who could feature in the friendly in Austria is Wales' under-21 star Mark Jones.
John Toshack is keen to develop the country's youth, but given Wales are not involved in Germany 2006 Jones would be expected to be available to the Dragons should they reach the play-off final.
Meanwhile, former Real Sociedad coach Toshack has arranged a friendly between Wales and a Basque XI. That game is scheduled for May 20 in Bilbao or San Sebastian.
Before then, Wales play Paraguay at the Millennium Stadium on March 1.