Two broken arms (in the same spot) followed by a couple of ankle reconstructions have cost the Fortuna Dusseldorf rookie the best part of two years.
But with nine matches under his belt for Fortuna’s second team this season, the Scotland-born, Sydney-raised youngster has been singled out by coach Graham Arnold as one to watch out for at next month’s AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand, where a top-four finish will see Australia qualify for Tokyo 2020.
“I’ve had the broken arms and the two ankle reconstructions since I last played for Australia (the Young Socceroos in 2017), but that’s all behind me now,” he said.
“It was a difficult couple of years but now I’m back in the mix and getting myself back up to speed again.
“With the tournament coming up now, I’ll hopefully get a few games in and hopefully it can be a springboard for my club career also.”
After over six years as part of Fortuna’s youth development system Laws is coming off contract and exploring his options - one of which might even be a switch to the A-League.
“I’m finally getting on with things and pushing my career forward again after a frustrating few years where everything was pretty much on hold,” he added.
“If anything the setbacks have made me even more motivated.”
Able to play as a stopper, in midfield or even at left-back, former Joey Laws offers versatility to Australia in Thailand where they face Iraq, the hosts and Bahrain in the group stage.
He was part of the Olyroos party at the recent camps in Qatar and China, and believes Australia are well placed to reach the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008.
“You could see the progression between those two camps and while we know it’ll be difficult we’re going into the tournament full of belief,” he said.
“There’s a lot more fluidity about us now and I think we’re well equipped to do well against some difficult opponents.”
With his future as yet undecided, Laws is back in Australia for a Christmas break with his family in Sydney.
“My contract is up in June and I haven’t had any discussions with the club so far about what might happen next season,” he said.
“I’ve been speaking to my agent and we’ve been talking to some clubs but there’s nothing concrete yet.
“But I’m looking to make a move and maybe make a fresh start somewhere else.
“Even moving back to Australia isn’t out of the question. I’m pretty flexible in terms of clubs.
“It just has to be the right move at a club that plays attractive football.
“I’m at the stage now where I want and need to be playing first team football.
“I’m just trying to fast track my career to where it should be.
“I’m sure that playing in a good league at a high level will still happen. It’s just been delayed by a few years.
“Injuries are a pain in the arse but they happen.”
