It was the kind of debut a footballer usually only dream about.
But for Martha Thomas, the dream first Scotland showing became a reality on Wednesday evening, as the West Ham United striker netted twice to help her nation secure a 3-0 victory over Ukraine.
For Thomas, just getting the start on her maiden Scotland outing was a huge honour, so to notch a brace was more than the 23-year-old could have ever imagined.
"I'm really pleased to play and score the two goals,” Thomas said. “I wasn't expecting it but I'm really happy to contribute to a win on my first cap.
"All of my teammates have been really welcoming this week so to come in and not feel out of place was a good feeling. It's nice to be here.
"We kept the ball well at times and tried to finish the chances when they came.”
All of my teammates have been really welcoming this week so to come in and not feel out of place was a good feeling.
Martha Thomas
Born in Dorset, Thomas qualifies to represent Scotland on her mother’s side, and the Irons No9 could not contain her pride at representing the Blue and White in the opening match of the Pinatar Cup.
The forward’s entire family made the trip to Spain to watch her play; something which made an already unforgettable occasion extra special.
She continued: "I'm half Scottish and the whole of my Mum's side of the family is very Scottish so I'm very proud to put on the shirt and represent the country.
"My Mum, Dad and Gran came to the game which was really nice, and I was so happy to have them in the crowd for my debut."
“It’s a big honour for me to be able to put on the shirt and represent Scotland.”
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 4, 2020
Hear from @mart__thomas following her double-goal scoring debut this evening.#NothingMattersMore | #SWNT pic.twitter.com/lH5fsJ60cG
Scotland will play two more games over the next week in the Pinatar Cup, against Iceland and Northern Ireland, before continuing their journey towards qualification for the UEFA Women’s European Championships next summer.
Thomas is targeting more caps, more goals, and more success with her new international colleagues over the coming weeks and months.
"I want to play for Scotland as much as possible and do everything I can to get us to major tournaments,” she added.
"This team is fantastic and we have the talent to do well at major tournaments so I'm looking forward to the future."
