JOE Thomas can officially call himself a Football League player just three years after the right-back had broken into the Cambrian United squad in Cymru South.

The 22-year-old made his Newport County AFC debut in the EFL Trophy defeat at Reading on November 12 and then last Saturday came off the bench in the League Two clash at Notts County.

After catching the eye at King George's New Field in Clydach Vale – and earning a chance at Swansea City’s academy – the defender was called into action in front of 9,408 fans at Meadow Lane.

Thomas was deployed as a right-sided midfielder and helped the Exiles battle for a goalless draw against the promotion-chasing Magpies.

The young prospect from Treorchy has had to be patient after a summer blow prevented him from hitting the ground running at Rodney Parade.

“I had two ankle injuries last season, so when it happened I thought ‘here we go again’, but I knew what I had to do to get back fit,” said Thomas.

“Since back I have trained well, got myself in the squad and then got on the pitch, so I am really happy.

“I started in the cup game a couple of weeks ago at Reading, and I thought I did well, so I was hoping my league debut wouldn’t be too far away.

“The manager called me over to come on and it was a surreal moment. I can officially call myself a Football League player, it’s a good feeling.”

GRAFT: Joe Thomas worked his way back to fitness for Newport CountyGRAFT: Joe Thomas worked his way back to fitness for Newport County (Image: Lewis Mitchell/Huw Evans Agency)

Thomas has been the beneficiary of left-back/midfielder Anthony Glennon having a back problem that opened up a spot on the bench.

“You never wish injury on one of your teammates but when things like that happen people like me who haven’t been in the squad need to take their opportunities,” said the rangy defender.

“I’ve been told to just make sure I keep working hard in training to show what I can do in a variety of positions, whether it’s right-back or right wing, and hopefully more chances will come.”

Thomas is in good company in the Exiles squad after being one of the inexperienced summer signings aiming to grasp their opportunity in the EFL.

However, he hopes that his football education out west can give him a head start as County bid to become more of a passing side.

“The way that Swansea like to play has benefited me massively,” said Thomas. “The way that we are trying to play, I have done that every single day for the last two and a half years.

“It was mental how it all started. I had only just got into the first team with Cambrian in the summer [of 2021] and then by Christmas I had signed for Swansea. Now I have been lucky enough to grab a contract here.”

Thomas will aim to help County build on their draw at the Magpies when they travel to AFC Wimbledon next Tuesday, buoyed by the clean sheet in the East Midlands.

“Notts County are a very good side and will definitely be in the promotion race. At times, we had our backs against the wall, but we showed brilliant character to hold out,” said Thomas.

"When I came on, I just tried to help the team as much as possible to secure that point and the clean sheet.

“We’ve had a few games this season where we haven’t quite been at it, and we’ve conceded too many goals but these 0-0 draws away from home against top sides show the progress we are making.

"We’re becoming a tough team to break down, and now it’s about building on that, especially in the attacking areas.”