GROWING up, Tom Lawrence was surrounded by icons and legends.
Joining Manchester United at the age of seven, he was schooled by some of the greats.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all played a pivotal part in his education — giving him a grounding which he’s carried with him to Rangers.
While the midfielder hasn’t had his troubles to seek during an injury-ravaged stay in Glasgow, the standards set during those early days at Old Trafford have guided him through the tough times.
Lawrence turned 30 at the weekend and as he celebrated the birthday milestone he reflected on his footballing journey.
The Gers star said: “I was at United from the age of seven until I was 20.
Paul Scholes left with egg on his face over Marcus Rashford prediction
“So the amount of figures that helped me out along the way, I couldn’t name them all.
“What I will say is that you looked up to those who were in the first team at the time, the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
“Coaching-wise Paul McGuinness and Warren Joyce helped me massively. I am really thankful to them all.
“There were role models everywhere. It was just all about standards, it makes you have those standards from such a young age.
“That’s what I try to do at Rangers, I try to bring standards the best I can.
“Sir Alex Ferguson was one for big standards and you couldn’t mess up.
“That grounding never leaves you. When you grow up hearing that you just get used to doing the same high level standard stuff every day. It’s instilled in you.”
Lawrence made only one first-team appearance for United.
On May 6, 2014, then United player/manager Giggs handed him a dream debut against Hull.
With 20 minutes left, Giggs subbed himself on, with Lawrence giving way.
It was the last time Giggs ever played for United.
Scholes and Ferdinand in agreement on Man Utd's title chances after derby win
Lawrence added: “I started the game and he came on for me.
“It was his last ever game for Manchester United as he was player/ manager at the time.
“I think I played 70 minutes and then he came on.
“He was a big hero growing up, there were a few of them.
“But he gave me my Manchester United debut so I’ll be forever grateful.
“Nothing will ever come close to that. I had been out on loan and got recalled. I played a game at Anfield for the Under-21s and I played well.
“The first team played a few days later and I got a call to say I was in the squad.
“We went to the hotel and later that day he told me I was starting.
“I went back to my room and told my family and they all came up.”
While he never got to play under Sir Alex, Lawrence remains grateful for the part the iconic boss played in his early career.
Lawrence said: “He gave me my first professional contract. I didn’t actually play under him in the first team because he left the season before.
“But he gave me my first contract. He knew everything about everyone. He would pull you in for a chat in his office and he’d know everything.
“He was quite an insight. You didn’t want to be uneasy around him because that’s not how he wants you to be.
“You just knew if you put a foot wrong you’d find out.”
Lawrence is fully focused on reigniting his Rangers career.
After an impressive start he was injured against Ross County — ruling him out of last season.
This season he’s featured only 11 times, having been sidelined since December 6.
But he’s targeting a run of games with tonight’s friendly against Copenhagen at Ibrox among them.
Lawrence stressed: “These games are crucial after a break.
“I have not played for five weeks so I just want to play as many games as I can to get my fitness back to that peak level.
“It’s all good. It was good to get out to Spain and get some training done and I’m just looking forward now. I am back training with the team, I’m injury free at the minute.
“I am sick of talking about it to be honest. I am sick of being injured, I just want to get fully fit and hopefully I can do that.
“It’s a massive couple of months coming up and I played my part when I was fit so I know what I need to do and I know what to expect.”
With so much at stake in the second half of the season, Lawrence is determined to play his part.
Rangers are through to the last 16 of the Europa League, with the Viaplay Cup already in the bag.
And Lawrence admitted: “There’s a lot of excitement ahead of the second half of the season.
“I can’t wait to get back out on that pitch playing, I think it will be very special.
“I think we’ve become a lot closer as a squad.
“We had a lot of new faces in the summer. It always takes a bit of time but I think we’ve got a strong team bond now.
“Hopefully that shows in the second half of the season.”
Tom Lawrence was speaking to promote Rangers’ friendly match against Copenhagen at Ibrox tonight. Tickets start from just £1 and can be purchased at rangers.co.uk
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page