Thorne homes in on Albion starting spot

GEORGE Thorne is targeting promotion to the Barclays Premier League with Derby County this season – but plans to be playing for Albion against the Rams in the top flight next term.

The 21-year-old was last month rewarded with a new-and-improved three-and-a-half-year contract at The Hawthorns – a day before joining Sky Bet Championship promotion contenders Derby on loan until the end of the campaign.

Thorne has been an unused substitute for Steve McLaren’s side in their two games since his arrival and hopes he can help the East Midlands outfit strengthen their fourth place position over the coming months.

“My personal goal for now is to help Derby gain promotion to the Premier League,” said the Albion Academy product.

“Then next season I want to be playing regularly in Albion’s first team.

“That’s why I signed the new contract.

“For now I’m doing my best to help Derby but next season my focus will return to Albion.

“I’ll be back for pre-season and I want to be pushing for a starting place.

“I want to push on from where I was when I was in the team last time. 

“It was nice to get my contract sorted and now I’m eager to crack on and play football now.

“I’m enjoying the challenge at Derby – it’s a great club.

“We’ve got a great set of lads here.

“After the injury I had it’s just my aim to get through the rest of the season injury-free and get some games under my belt.

“The opportunity to come here and join a promotion-pushing team was one I didn’t want to turn down.

“I need to be patient and wait for my chance.

“Hopefully I’ll grab it when it comes.

“I’m keeping myself ready for when the chance comes.”