DERBY County forward Luke Thomas said it was an ’unbelievable’ feeling to have made his debut for the Championship club.

Thomas, from Cinderford, has worked his way into the Rams’ first team squad having impressed for the Under-23s.

He was thrown on by manager Gary Rowett as a late substitute for goalscorer Tom Lawrence in Derby’s 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park last week.

“It was something I’ve been dreamed of since joining Derby,” he told the club’s official video channel.

“It’s unbelievable to make my debut. A lot of thanks have to go to the coaching staff and the gaffer for believing in me and putting me in the pitch.

“I’m over the moon. I was just buzzing and wanted to get on the pitch as soon as possible, my heart was racing.

“I was really nervous but after I got out there my heart was just pumping to be there.”

Thomas praised his clubmates for making him welcome since he started training with the first team.

“The whole squad all put your arm round you and said congratulations and what an achievement it is to play for the first team.

“This club’s great to be at especially with the gaffer we’ve got now, it’s really promising for all youngsters here.

“The next step is if I get a chance to impress the gaffer and get a few more minutes with the first team.”