Mon 01 Dec
Time to read: 3mins
Young Rams forward recalls on a great experience, but will not be dwelling on the chance to turn the appearance into a dream
Kwame Thomas is hoping to force his way into the first team squad on more occasions after making his senior debut from the substitutes bench in the 2-0 defeat at Leeds United on Saturday.
The young forward, who has starred at the spearhead of the Rams’ Under 21 squad this season, came on as part of a triple change just after the hour mark in the encounter as Steve McClaren searched to get back into the game at Elland Road.
After a stop-start couple of years, Thomas, since being named Under 21 Player of the Year last campaign, has gained recognition nationally as well as at club level after he was called up to the England Under 20 squad for the first time this season.
To make his debut is something that Thomas has dreamt of achieving since he joined the Academy’s Under 12 side and it is an experience and feeling that he is hoping to replicate in the coming months.
Speaking exclusively to Rams Player, he said: “It was a really good experience; it has been something that I have been hoping for since I joined the Club in the Under 12s.
“To make my debut was a great experience and great memory for me and my family.
“I kept being told to warm up and we was losing 2-0. It looked like Bryso (Craig Bryson) and Dawks (Simon Dawkins) were going to go on and I was still warming up at the time.
"I was told they was going to make a triple substitution and that I was coming on. I was nervous, but it was exciting.
“You see it on the TV or when you go and watch the boys yourself, all the time, but to be there in front of more than 25,000 people is different.
“It was a great experience and is one that I will be hoping to replicate again soon. It was really good to be part of.”
Reflecting on his first appearance at senior level, Thomas says it is unparalleled to anything he has experienced with the Under 21 squad this season.
Whilst bigger crowds sprang to mind for the forward, Thomas says the tempo, both physically and mentally, was quicker than he is used to and then his mind crosses over to what could have been his moment of glory.
With 10 minutes remaining, Thomas put a first time effort over the top of Leeds crossbar after Craig Bryson pulled the ball back to him and he admits it is a moment that has been replayed over and over again in his head.
He is not one to dwell, though, he is just more determined to put his next chance away.
He added: “There is a big difference (between an Under 21 game and a first team game). The crowd is a big difference, but once I got into it, I didn’t notice the crowd.
“When I came on, I was dazzled for a few minutes that so many people were there.
“It is much quicker as well. You have to think quicker, you have to be tidier with your touches and you have to be fitter because of the high intensity.
“We were more urgent with our game, we was on the front foot and was getting the better of the chances. I got a chance myself, which I should have probably put away.
“At the time, I was very disappointed (to have missed the chance) because it was my debut and it would have been a dream to add to the occasion.
“When I thought about it after, it is part and parcel of being a striker. You miss some and you score some.
“It was replayed a few times in my mind that night, but as a striker you just have to move on to the next chance and try and put that one away.”
