A YOUNG man has just made his first international football debut.

Thomas Dickson-Peters, 15, of Slough, last week played in his first international football game, playing for the Scotland Under 17's against Russia in Spain.

Thomas has enjoyed considerable interest from a number of top national teams. After being introduced to football through a number of local teams, Thomas has been noticed by talent scouts from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

Thomas's grandfather, Thomas Peters, 65, of Carrington Road, Slough said: "He started out eight years ago, when he was just seven years old, playing for the Maidenhead Warriors. He played with them for three years. Then Slough Town took an interest, and he played with them for two and a half years, in the Under 12's. It was then that he was spotted by a couple of scouts, and was invited to trial with teams like Norwich, Crystal Palace, and Fulham. He also went for week-long trials with Liverpool and Manchester City.

"He decided to train with Norwich in the end. It's a smaller team, so he has more space to grow. Teams like Liverpool are huge, so its harder to stand out. He's moved schools to be up there, and has been training with them since last year.

"Some time after that, a scout for Scotland spotted him, and it all went from there."

Thomas, who typically plays in attacking positions, beat Russia 1-0 in the game last Wednesday, and played another friendly game against Russia on Tuesday, [RESULT].

Mr Peters said: "He's been working hard since he was seven, and he just loves it – the training, the regime. Eight years he's been doing it now, and he still enjoys it. Now he's starting to get the benefits of his hard work. We're all very proud of him. I don't think he can believe what is happening to him right now."