SWANSEA CITY are expecting big things from Dennis Lawrence after capturing the giant defender in a £75,000 deal.

The 6ft 7in World Cup star has signed a two-year Liberty Stadium contract after paving the way for a move to South Wales by handing in a transfer request at Wrexham. After Swansea's first offer had been rejected, the Racecourse club gave up hope of keeping one of their most influential players and accepted an increased bid.

And Huw Jenkins has hailed Trinidad & Tobago international Lawrence as the man Swansea need to sort out their defensive problems.

"Dennis is just the type of player Kenny (Jackett) wanted," the chairman said.

"He has good experience, he has played at a good level for a few years and he is a good leader.

"He is a committed central defender who should provide us with good aerial ability both defensively and in attack."

Centre-back Lawrence was due to train with his new team-mates today and will go straight into the side for Saturday's meeting with Doncaster at the Liberty.

The equal tallest player in the Football League, he stood to toe to toe - and face to face - with England's Peter Crouch in Germany this summer and came out with his reputation enhanced.

"He's a great acquisition for us," said Jackett, whose need for a new central defender heightened when Garry Monk collected a serious injury last week.

"He proved at the World Cup what a quality defender he is and I'm sure he'll make his huge presence felt in the heart of our defence."

Lawrence, 32, passed a medical yesterday after watching Wales's friendly with Bulgaria at the Liberty on Tuesday night.

The move ends a five-year stint at Wrexham which began when Brian Flynn brought him to Britain from the aptly-named Jamaican side Defence Force.

He made more than 200 appearances - scoring 16 goals - for the North Wales club, where he was captain for much of last season and became a firm favourite with fans.

He has netted four international goals in 66 games - including the one which sent the Soca Warriors to the World Cup.

"I'm delighted," he said. "Obviously I'm sorry to leave Wrexham because I've enjoyed my time there and the fans were brilliant to me.

"But at 32 this is a great move for me. It's a big club and a big challenge which I'm really looking forward to."

Wrexham, who will lose much of the fee to creditors after recent financial problems, are sad to see such a popular figure go.

"We did everything possible to keep him, including looking at the terms of his contract and offering him an extension," boss Denis Smith revealed.

"But once Dennis handed in a written transfer request and Swansea came back with a second offer, there was nothing we could do.

"I'm disappointed to see him go because he's been an excellent player and ambassador for this club."

Lawrence has been given squad No. 22.