The amazing story that is Tom James’ football career took another development at the weekend when the defender made his professional debut.

Last season James was plying his trade at Stratford Town in the Midlands Football Alliance, which is the ninth tier of English football and four stages below the Conference.

The 23-year-old’s world changed though when former Watford loanee Ben Foster watched his friend in a cup final and recommended him to the Hornets.

The former operations engineer was given an initial contract until January in the summer, after a successful trial, and he was handed an extra six months just before Christmas.

James had been limited to a pre-season friendly at Brentford and behind-closed-doors reserve matches prior to the weekend but he came on for his professional debut in the FA Cup Third Round tie with Bradford City.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” a delighted James said immediately after the game.

“When the gaffer said get your stuff ready, I just zoned in and thought ‘do the business, there is no difference from training, just a few more people watching.’ “It was great and hopefully now we are in the next round maybe I will be on the bench or even get a start. This is a platform to build on.”

Sean Dyche usually names a squad of around 18 to 22 players the day before a match and then the starting XI and substitutes are revealed a few hours before the contest.

But while James was unsure whether he would even be in the match-day squad, he told his mum and dad he might be playing and was delighted they travelled down to see their son make his professional debut.

“I gave them a little wave afterwards and I know they would have loved seeing me out there,” James said.

“I didn’t find out until Friday that I was even in the squad.

“Even to see my name on the bench on the screen before the game was an unbelievable feeling.”

James is now hoping Saturday will not be the highlight of his career and is trying to secure more game time.

He said: “The first six months has been a challenge, but I overcame it and earned a new six-month contract.

“Making my debut is a great way to start 2012 and hopefully I can build on it and it is the first of many. I am loving every single minute and hopefully this is my career now. I love Watford Football Club so I hope my future is here.”