Having conceded 18 goals in the first eight matches of their 2008/09 campaign, Crewe Alexandra has now turned to none other than Trinidad and Tobago defender Dennis Lawrence to help solve their defensive problems.
The 6ft 7in 34-year-old will remain at Gresty Road until the end of December, although Swansea have the option of recalling him after 28 days. Lawrence has struggled to challenge the first-choice central defensive pair of Gary Monk and Ashley Williams this season at Swansea, making just one first-team appearance in the Carling Cup win over Brentford.
Lawrence told BBC Radio Stoke that he is delighted to join Crewe Alexandra on a three-month loan deal. "It's a massive opportunity for me to come in and get some games under my belt. "The Crewe team I know are better than the league table suggests so hopefully we can get some good results ended Lawrence."
His new boss Steve Holland added. "Lawrence has played 40 games in each of the last five seasons, so his fitness record is second-to-none and he was a senior member of a team that was promoted from this division. "Dennis has over 60 caps for his country, so we are delighted that he has decided to join us until January."
The 2003/04 Wrexham player of the season will likely go straight into the Crewe team to face Northampton Town at home on Saturday. Lawrence will then journey to T&T for two World Cup Qualifying matches against Guatemala on October 11 in Guatemala City and United States at the Hasely Crawford Stadium four days later.