CHELTENHAM Town academy prospect Luke Thomas may not be joining up with Benfica for now, but that hasn’t stopped him impressing manager Gary Johnson.

Thomas was given a spot on the bench for Town’s 1-0 home defeat against Tranmere in the National League on Saturday and although the 16-year-old didn’t get on the pitch, Thomas said it was ‘unreal’ to be a member of the squad.

The Cinderford youngster has been given the number 26 shirt and it will surely not be long until he breaks into Johnson’s side.