Thomas looks to seize EFL chance

Joe Thomas has gone from Cymru South rookie to League Two player via a spell on the books at Swansea City.

In the wake of the "special moment" that was his EFL debut, Thomas says his stint with the Swans has played a central part in his journey to Newport County's first team.

The 22-year-old made his Exiles debut as a 62nd-minute substitute in Saturday's creditable goalless draw at Notts County.

He can now call himself a fully fledged EFL player, which has been the goal ever since he left Cambrian & Clydach Vale – now known as Cambrian United – for Swansea in January 2022.

"I'd only just gone up to the first team with Cambrian in the summer and by Christmas I signed for Swansea," Thomas explained.

"As a club, the way Swansea like to play has benefited me massively. Any team that wants to play like we are trying to play now… I have done that every day at Swansea for two-and-a-half years so that has helped me massively."

Thomas, who can play anywhere on the right flank, but his happiest at wing-back, joined up with Swansea's under-21 side, leaving in the summer without making a senior appearance for the Championship club.

He signed a two-year deal with Newport, though his start to life at Rodney Parade was not helped by an ankle injury.

But after making his first senior appearance in the EFL Trophy defeat at Reading earlier this month, Rhondda-born Thomas was given his big chance by head coach Nelson Jardim at Meadow Lane.

"I started in the cup game a couple of weeks back and I thought I played well," he said.

"I didn’t want to boost my ego or anything like that, but I thought hopefully I will get a chance in the league soon. Now that has come. It was a surreal moment, but I am really happy."