3/1 To Win
The 2017/18 season will be one Luke Thomas holds close to his heart after getting the nod to make his first-team debut.
It was a whirlwind campaign for the 19-year-old that saw him make remarkable strides in his young career.
His season began on the bench in Darren Wassall’s Under-23 squad.
However, after three matches as a substitute, Wassall pencilled him in to the starting XI for the first time against Swansea City.
Thomas did what is preached to the players in the academy and grabbed at the opportunity that came his way.
Just before the half-time interval Thomas, who joined Derby County in January 2016 from Cheltenham Town, scored to help cement his position in the line-up.
Reflecting on his season, Thomas told RamsTV: “I wasn’t even starting the first few games for the Under-23s, so I needed to do something different to put something in Darren’s head to try and get a place in the squad.
“Then to break through to the first-team was remarkable it hasn’t sunk in yet. It still feels like a dream.”
Within the first couple of months of the season, Thomas had done enough to earn a permanent call to the first-team training schedule.
After signing a fresh three-year contract with the club, the midfielder received the big call up and was named in the matchday squad against Leeds United on October 31st.
“I’ve been training with them a few times now, but the first knock, I’ll always remember that,” he said.
“It’s a bit daunting at first, because if you look at the squad and all the experienced players they have got in there, you think ‘what am I doing here?’
“But they picked me to go there and must have thought I’ve got some talent to be able to train amongst the best players.”
With a couple of weeks training with the first-team under his belt, Thomas took his first steps as a Derby County senior player in front of 23,000 fans when he was brought on as a substitute in the 89th minute.
He made his second appearance with the Rams comfortably ahead 3-0 at home against Bolton, coming off the bench in the 85th minute.
With his defining season wrapped up, Thomas now looks to his future and the experience training, travelling and playing with the first-team has made him hungry for more.
“I’ve been on the bench a few times and been lucky enough to make two appearances so I’m very grateful to all the staff for giving me the opportunity.
“It was brilliant going on to the pitch and playing in front of all the fans. It is definitely what I aim for now for next season.
“I’ve been part of a matchday squad and made my debut now so hopefully next year I can make it a regular thing and become a first team player.”
