All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas has finally made his long-awaited debut for Dutch giants PSV after recovering from serious injury.

The 24-year-old has had a frustrating year on the sidelines since joining the club, picking up a knee problem soon after putting pen to paper.

But he came through a successful surgery and recently returned to training with the first team, paving the way for his appearance in a friendly against German Bundesliga outfit FC Koln.

The Koln encounter was arranged by PSV manager Mark van Bommel to keep those who weren’t playing for their countries active during the FIFA window.

Thomas, who has appeared 18 times for the All Whites, played for the first half hour of the 1-0 win before being replaced and will now hope to take part in competitive action for PSV.

He has not taken part in any of PSV’s four Eredivisie matches so far and van Bommel will be pleased to now have him available for his third-placed side.

Thomas will have to wait at least another season to feature in the UEFA Champions League though as PSV were knocked out in the qualifying stages by Swiss club Basel.

Article added: Saturday 07 September 2019