'Lucky to have him' - rejuvenated former Rangers star is hat-trick hero after Ibrox summer exit
First senior hat-trick for player released by Rangers in May
Former Rangers forward Tom Lawrence has scored his first senior hat-trick - seven months after departing Ibrox.
The Welshman was released by Rangers in the summer following the expiry of his contract after an injury-hit spell in Glasgow.
Lawrence joined the Light Blues in 2022 and managed 69 appearances over three seasons, contributing 12 goals and seven assists, before his depature was confirmed on May 20.
He was without a club until October when he penned a one-year deal with Australian side Perth Glory.
And the 31-year-old appears rejuvenated Down Under after netting all three goals in a statement 3-1 away victory over reigning A-League champions Melbourne City.
The win came just 64 days after Perth lost 4-0 to the same opponent at the same venue.
Hailing the impact of Lawrence, who now has four goals in seven appearances for his new side, Perth head coach Adam Griffiths said: "He's a quality player, quality human. The boys love him. He's a great player and we're really lucky to have him.
"Three goals. Exceptional. I think he goes up on the wall now in Perth Glory headquarters."
Lawrence put his side two goals up inside 22 minutes with two imperious first-time finishes in the box before claiming the match ball with a tap-in rebound on the 80-minute mark.
The 23-times capped Wales international declared afterwards how much he is enjoying life in Western Australia.
"I love it," Lawrence said. "I'm not going to lie. It's a great place to live, and everyone has welcomed me really well. Hopefully I can stay a bit longer."
The result lifted Perth into seventh in the A-League, equal on points with sixth-placed Melbourne City and seven points behind leaders Auckland FC.
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