Badminton ace features in National League

The 24-year-old paired up with Catherine Grant in the mixed doubles as the Lions defeated Milton Keynes Badminton last week.

For Lauder, now a part-timer after choosing to concentrate on his career in sales, it was an experience to cherish.

He said: "I think the team's done really well. It's nice to get off the subs bench rather than cheering from the side.

"I thought we had a really good chance of winning but the home crowd made a difference, as did that little bit of a lack of sharpness which makes it go the other way.

"But when you're working full-time, to get to come down and play in an NBL match is just fantastic and I love it.

"When I do play I cherish it, although on the other hand it does show you how rusty you've become.

"Fortunately me and Catherine have played together a few times at tournaments over the years and both went to Birmingham University as well, so we both know each other really well."

A national champion at junior level, Lauder is the first to admit his playing career has not panned out as he planned.

He trained full-time for two years but could not battle his way onto the British programme.

Now working full-time as a sales rep Lauder insists he will be ready to help out, whether he be playing or taking up a spot on the bench.

He added: "To be honest, I'm not expecting to be back in the side next time. We've got such a strong set of lads, and Nico (Ruponen) to come back into the team, but that's fine with me.

"I'm happy now having played to the level that I played to, and just to be involved in the team atmosphere now is great.

"Being a part of this set-up is great for the sport, but I'm always ready to step in should someone get injured and I make sure I train hard for these games."

For NBL fixtures, tickets and team news visit nationalbadmintonleague.co.uk or follow @NBL_official on Twitter.