FC St. Pauli

…their first day of training at the Kollau

Lawrence: "They congratulated me on my birthday yesterday. They're really good singers (laughs). It's a very open group and it was really cool to be received like that on the first day. We've been given a very warm welcome."

Penney: "I have to agree. The first impression is very good, both on and off the pitch."

…the move to FC St. Pauli

Lawrence: "We were speaking for a week or so and then it all went very quickly. On Wednesday morning I got the call saying they wanted to sign me right away. I had the medical on Thursday and trained for the first time today."

Penney: "It was a bit longer with me. We then agreed with the club that it was the right step for me and my career to improve as a player."

…their fitness

Lawrence: "I did the normal training with Anderlecht and the friendlies. I feel ready even though I haven't played a competitive game this season. We'll see how it goes in the next few days and weeks."

Penney: "I feel physically fit as well. I had a good pre-season in Sheffield."

…their positions

Lawrence: "I'm a central defender and like to play the ball out from the back. I'm assured on the ball, but I like to defend as well. St. Pauli have had a lot of injury problems at the back and I'd like to help them solve those problems."

Penney: "I'm a left-back who likes to get forward. First and foremost, though, it's my job to defend."

…a conversation about Hamburg with Anderlecht player coach Vincent Kompany

Lawrence: "I spoke to him briefly about Hamburg but because everything went so quickly, we didn't have time to go into much detail."

…FC St. Pauli

Lawrence: "I've heard a lot about the club from friends in Europe. My brother lives with his girlfriend in Berlin, for example. St. Pauli have really good fans."

Penney: "I've already seen a bit on social media. It makes you want to come and play in this atmosphere."

…Lawrence's place in the Wales team

Lawrence: "I've been playing for Wales for a year now and have slotted in well. I've spoken to Ryan Giggs and will be with the team in the international break. I was in contact with the coaching staff throughout the transfer window and I think St. Pauli's a good thing for me personally. The second division is a tough league that will keep me on a good level and in the running for a place in the national team."

…training and playing with global star Gareth Bale

Lawrence: "It's exciting to play with players like him. You can always learn something from them."

…working with Jos Luhukay at Sheffield Wednesday:

Penney: "We've been in permanent contact since then. I believe in his vision of football but that means nothing. I have to prove myself on the pitch and I want to improve."

Photo: FC St. Pauli