The right-back was given the nod to start for the Blues against St Polten in our UEFA Women’s Champions League Group D fixture.
City ran out 3-2 winners in Vienna, with Thomas impressing before being replaced on 63 minutes by Laia Aleixandri.
It was a special moment for the lifelong Blue and her family, as she described in her first interview as a professional player.
“When I was walking out of the tunnel I thought the nerves might get the better of me but once I touched the ball I was fine and couldn’t stop smiling when I was playing,” the 18-year-old said.
“I kept catching myself just taking it in and looking around, it was brilliant.
“[I found out the day] before we went away, I was walking into analysis and Gareth pulled me aside to say ‘you’re starting tomorrow’ and I couldn’t stop the smile coming out.
“It was brilliant. [My family] were so proud, it’s an honour starting in the City shirt for the senior team.”
Alongside Lily Murphy, Thomas is one of several graduates from the City academy to break into the senior side, alongside Gracie Prior and Eve O’Carroll.
The defender is keen to follow in the footsteps of team-mates Khiara Keating and Jess Park, who have become regulars after patiently working their way through the ranks.
The pair have served as inspirations for Thomas, who was keen to highlight the support and encouragement she’s received from her senior colleagues.
She added: “They’ve been brilliant, any time I’ve needed advice or encouragement they’ve always been there pushing me on, trying new things, step out of my comfort zone all that.
“[Jess and Khiara], they’re doing what I want to do, being in the starting XI, playing in important games, it’s something I aspire to do.
“It’s still a bit crazy, I played with Khiara for a couple of training sessions in the academy, and then just playing with her in the first team as well is crazy.”
