IT doesn't get any better than making your Wales debut at your home-town club alongside established Premier League stars.

Mark Jones was plying his trade as a midfielder for Wrexham when he was named in John Toshack's squad for the international friendly against Liechtenstein at The Racecourse in November 2006.

Reds' team-mate Steve Evans started the game alongside the likes of current national team boss Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Rob Earnshaw.

Jones was introduced as a substitute in the 70th minute and he helped Wales win 4-0 in front of nearly 9,000 fans, with the 34-year-old honoured to represent his country at the highest level.

"I was named in the squad and I remember we trained at Carden Park," said Jones. "I roomed with Steve.

"I came on for the last 20 minutes. It was my debut and I was very proud, especially with it being at Wrexham.

"That made it very special and also playing with the likes of Craig Bellamy, there were a few big-hitters in the team.

"It was unbelievable. I played in Wales teams from the age of 10 but to get there was a very proud moment."

He didn't get long on the pitch but Jones quickly made his mark after replacing Wrexham-born midfielder Jason Koumas, who had put Wales 2-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes.

Jones supplied the pass for Bellamy to get the third goal, Reds' team mate Chris Llewellyn completing the scoring in the final minute.

"I just went on and tried to enjoy it, but it just goes so quick," said Jones.

"I just tried not to make a mistake, get the ball and pass it to a red shirt!

"It was 2-0 when I came on and I threaded the ball through to Bellamy for the third goal which was great.

"My family and friends were there and it was nice doing it at The Racecourse."

The chance to play alongside star studded names is not lost on Jones who got his big chance following a prolific goalscoring season for Wrexham in the 2005-6 season when he struck 13 times in League Two under Denis Smith.

"It was a bit surreal," said Jones, who won two full international caps during his playing career, the other coming in an away match against Bulgaria.

"I had trained with the players a few times before; even when I was in the under 21 squad we would train with the senior team sometimes.

"But it is very different when you are picked to play with Premier League players in a game.

"It is something I am very proud of even to this day."