Tom Matthews eager to get going for TNS
New signing Tom Matthews is relishing making his bow in the UEFA Champions League when The New Saints step out in Europe's prestigious club competition later this month.
After joining from Queens Park Rangers, the versatile young defender is already back in training as he looks forward to maintaining the Saints' success story.
"It all happened very quickly and I am delighted to be here," he said.
"I knew about TNS winning the Welsh Premier League, and of course playing in the Champions League is what every player dreams of.
"I will work very hard for the club and I will always put a shift in. I will give 100 per cent and I hope that I can help the club continue to win trophies."
Born in Norwich, the 19-year-old can play in a number of defensive positions and is regarded as a bright prospect.
Last season, he played against Manchester United star Marcus Rashford – selected for this summer's Euro 2016 – in the under-21s FA Youth Cup,
"I enjoyed my time at QPR and it was a great experience," added Matthews. "It was also fantastic to play in games against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup."
Last season, he was the club's under-19s captain before progressing into a regular under-21 player having joined from Norwich City in 2014.
However, he has now decided to switch from under-21 to the senior game in order to play Champions League football with TNS.
The draws for the first and second qualifying rounds of the Champions League and Europa League will be made on Monday, June 20.
The New Saints will be joining Valletta (Malta), Flora Tallinn (Estonia), FC Santa Coloma (Andorra) as seeded clubs in the first qualifying round.
Potential opponents are B36 Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Lincoln Red Imps (Gibraltar), Alashkert (Armenia) and Tre Penne (San Marino).