Tom Bradshaw's Wales dream comes true at last

The Saddlers forward enjoyed a lively 20 minutes in last night's friendly in Kiev after coming on as a substitute for Cardiff City's Tom Lawrence.

Bradshaw, who has netted 18 goals in 40 appearances this season, almost added to that tally in stoppage time when he saw a header from a corner saved.

Prior to that the 23-year-old came close to grabbing an assist after flicking a cross into the path of Sam Vokes but the former Wolves striker steered an effort wide. Andriy Yarmolenko's first-half strike settled the match.

Bradshaw will now hope his impressive cameo will convince Wales boss Chris Coleman to take him to France for Euro 2016.

"It was a shame not to win the game but I enjoyed every second I was on that pitch," Bradshaw said.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play for my country and now I have achieved that.

"It is unfortunate that we didn't win but I enjoyed it all the same. We conceded from a set-piece which is disappointing but on another day we would have nicked a goal or two."

Bradshaw's performance impressed former Wales and Albion striker John Hartson who scored 14 goals in 51 appearances for his country.

"It's great to see Welsh youngsters make their debuts," he said. "He had a header at the end which could have gone anywhere – what a dream debut that would have been."

Bradshaw had previously won caps for Wales at both under-19 and under-21 level and was also part of a senior squad that played a friendly with Holland in November.

But after finally making his senior international bow, Walsall boss Jon Whitney took to social networking site Twitter to congratulate his star striker.

"Congratulations to Tom Bradshaw on his 1st cap for Wales: great attitude and work ethic," Whitney said.

Meanwhile Walsall club director Dan Mole added: "Delighted for one of football's nicest guys. Tom Bradshaw."