Why is Lawrence still uncapped?

Why is Liam Lawrence still without an Irish cap, despite topping the Championship Actim Index last season and his consistent performances for the Potters?

Lawrence’s sole international experience is still as an unused substitute in a friendly against Sweden in 2006, whilst playing for Sunderland.

Since arriving at Stoke in 2006 first on loan, then signing a permanent contract for £500,000 in January 2007 he has been an almost permanent fixture (barring injury) in Tony Pulis’ starting eleven, scoring 20 goals in 72 appearances.

Besides coming top in the Football League’s Actim Index last season, he also won the player of the season for Stoke, but is still being inexplicably overlooked for international recognition, despite Glenn Whelan being picked for the full Irish squad last May.