Article body analysed
Sorba Thomas is a former West Ham United youth player Nations League: Montenegro v Wales Venue: City Stadium, Niksic Date: Monday, 9 September Kick-off: 19: 45 BST Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app Sorba Thomas says being on the receiving end of some "straight-talking" helped him impress after being recalled under new Wales boss Craig Bellamy. The 25-year-old had a goal disallowed as he shone in attack on his first Wales appearance for more than two years as Wales drew 0-0 with Turkey in the Nations League on Friday. They face Montenegro in Niksic on Monday with Thomas hoping to again repay Bellamy's faith following his loan move from Huddersfield to French Ligue 1 side Nantes. "With the relegation at Huddersfield (to League One), I felt like I needed a fresh start, " said Thomas. Urgency, energy and detail - Bellamy's new beginnings excite Wales Episode 315: The Bellamy era is underway 'Team performance' - pundits react to Wales 0-0 Turkey "I'm a winner, I'm not a good loser. You can see when I'm angry and upset on the pitch. Those things I had to change. "I needed to be a better team-mate. It's not always about 'me, me, me'. Sometimes, I can use the team to make me look better and the team can use me to be better too. "A lot of harsh realities were spoken, a lot of straight talking from people around me - my family, friends, my agent, other coaches that I've worked with. "I took it on board, and the move to France came at the right time for me to go away, put my head down, focus on football, focus on being a better person and getting the Wales call-up, it felt like it was working. "I'm there (at Nantes) to improve as a player. It is a different environment, different tests which will make me a better player, so I can bring that to Wales. " Thomas also believes playing in the position in which Bellamy starred is a benefit. "Him showing faith in me was amazing for me and my family, and I just wanted to show him how good I am on the ball, " added Thomas. "He is someone who played in the position I play in, and it is good to learn from him. He pulls me to one side to give me some advice. "I've taken it on board, and he told me to just be free when I got the ball, and that's what I did. "We are going to be a threat at international level. The manager and the coaching staff, that is what they are going to make us do. "We are a country coming under the radar and a lot of countries are going to be wary of us. "The manager knows what he is doing. He has been around people like Vincent Kompany and played under top managers. It was the first game of a new era. " Portugal beat Scotland with Ronaldo's 901st career goal Sinner storms past Fritz to win first US Open title 'One hell of a Test to win' but England 'believe' Unlock the hidden world of couples' relationships Follow the emotional struggles and successes in riveting, raw reality Will Miriam find adventure and inspiration down under? She's on a quest to embrace her true self on Australia's sunny shores Rose Ayling-Ellis uncovers her family history Will she find her Italian ancestry she has heard a rumour about? Tom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events. Video Tom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events When the MV Maersk Alabama is hijacked by Somali pirates, the crew's bravery is tested to the limit 'One hell of a Test to win' but England 'believe' GB win medals in all but one sport - best Paris 2024 stats Seven of the best stories from a brilliant Paralympics The impressive XI who could have played for England 'Sumptuous stuff' - best shots of Smith's 'terrific' 67. Video'Sumptuous stuff' - best shots of Smith's 'terrific' 67 Sabalenka 'living best life' after solving US Open struggles Welcome to 'Carsball' as handbrake comes off for England 'Don't take the mickey' - Vaughan warns England £30m a year - why F1 designer is one of sport's highest-earning Britons What questions do Clarke's Scots face in Portugal? 'He even laid out cones in warm-up' - 5 live experts on Carsley Urgency, energy and detail - Bellamy's new beginnings excite Wales The best pictures from the 2024 Paralympics Chasing the dream - how do you parent young football stars? Nuguse pips Ingebrigtsen in thrilling 1500m finish. Video Nuguse pips Ingebrigtsen in thrilling 1500m finish Watch: Pole vaulter Duplantis beats Warholm in 100m race. Video Watch: Pole vaulter Duplantis beats Warholm in 100m race Joyce throws fastest strikeout recorded in Major League Baseball. Video Joyce throws fastest strikeout recorded in Major League Baseball 'Why 'cheat code' Chiefs have tools to complete Super Bowl three-peat' F1 Q&A: Can Red Bull recover from loss in form? 'A quartet of wins that show money doesn't buy golfing glory' © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.