Laura Hughes says she is proud to have made her Wales debut following an “enjoyable” but “challenging” first camp with her new international team-mates.

The 24-year-old midfielder – who was capped by Australia in a friendly in December 2024 – replaced Carrie Jones as Wales ended their 12-game winless run with a 3-2 victory over Switzerland in a friendly in Spain.

“There were some issues with the papers switching over, but I guess it was out of my control so I just had to wait for my opportunity, but I’m really proud to make my debut,” she told BBC Sport Wales.

“Meeting about 50 new people in a short space of time was overwhelming.

“The staff, players and all the coaches as well have made me feel so welcome, it’s a really good environment.

“I’ve got a bit of a taste of what European football is like. It’s been a really challenging week, but really enjoyable.”

Melbourne City’s Hughes is eligible to represent Wales through her Welsh mother, who hails from Porthcawl.

Hughes regularly visited Wales during her childhood and felt the opportunity to represent Rhian Wilkinson’s side was one she could not turn down.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Wales growing up, mainly in Porthcawl, and it’s a really lovely community there,” she added.

“International football is hard to come by sometimes. If you get an opportunity somewhere, you might as well take it.

“A football career is so short, so I thought if I could have an opportunity of playing for a country I’m really proud to represent – my mum being from there and having a lot of family there – I thought why not take that opportunity.”

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Having ended a landmark year with a much-needed victory, Wales’ focus now switches to next year’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wilkinson’s side travel to Czech Republic on 3 March before hosting Montenegro in their second qualifier four days later.

On the back of their first appearance at a major tournament at Euro 2025 earlier this year, Hughes feels the “sky is the limit” for Wales at present.

“This team has shown that they can compete with the best in the world and make major tournaments,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if another one isn’t too far away, whether it’s the World Cup or Euros.

“It’s a great group of girls that play some great football and work really hard for each other. I guess the sky is the limit for the team.”