Lawless happy with wing-back role as he eyes starting berth

The 30-year-old has been reduced to a bit-part role at times during the campaign, although has been a regular off the bench in recent weeks.

Often it has been in the wing-back position though when Hatters have struggled to break down their opponents, as Lawless said: “Wing-backs are a big part of the game in modern football these days, especially when teams stay tight in the middle and it’s quite congested.

“I just enjoy playing, so if I get a chance there I’ll try and take it and do well.

“I’m just making sure I’m ready for whenever there’s an opportunity as it’s a strong squad.

“It’s disappointing to not pay, any player will tell you that, and it just makes me want to play more and more and more.”

Boss John Still feels it’s a position that Lawless fits well as he said: “He’s built his fitness levels up and had to be patient for a chance.

“Whenever he’s come on he’s done a job and that sort of wing-back-y role is made for him.

“What Alex gives you, he gives you the energy, he’s the old clockwork, he doesn’t stop, he keeps going and keeps going and he wears people down.”

After Lawless’ introduction against York on Saturday, Town quickly won a penalty, converted by Cameron McGeehan to earn a share of the spoils.

The Welshman admitted to a sense of frustration that Hatters hadn’t made it five successive wins against one of his old teams.

He said: “Although it’s a long time as I’ve been here for a while, it is one I look out for, but I want to beat everyone anyway.

“We kept at them and it just didn’t seem to come, but at least we got the penalty.”

The Minstermen’s goal when it came was down to some sloppy defending from the hosts, something Lawless wants eradicated.

He added: “It was frustrating, especially off set-pieces as we work hard at that.

“We’re definitely disappointed as if you can stop them then we win 1-0, so we’ll be working even harder at them now.

“They were sitting behind the ball and got back quickly, but we’ll be disappointed we didn’t get at them more and the goal we conceded is something we’ll analyse I’m sure.”