The Rams have snapped up another highly rated top flight youngster — this time around it is West Bromwich Albion’s George Thorne. Seen primarily as a defensive midfielder — 21 year old Thorne has joined Derby on loan till seasons end.

Thorne is highly rated by the Baggies and is seen as part of their future plans having only recently signed him on a new deal. But after Cruciate Ligament damage early last year, he has only just regained full fitness and requires competitive game time to get him back to his best. His best being the form that saw him burst into the WBA first team and in particular, an impressive display in a depleted Baggies midfield against Manchester United.

Part of his recovery found him at another Championship club this season, as Thorne completed a month long loan spell at Watford making 8 appearances. Watford were failing to impress but Thorne was a shining light with an average of over 64 passes per game and a very impressive 80% pass accuracy, which at the time was the 3rd best in the League.

Many sources have been suggesting Steve McClaren has been chasing the youngster for some time and after announcing the loan signing, there was no doubt Macca was pleased to add another top quality youngster to the ranks of his squad.

Steve McClaren speaking to the DCFC official site:

“We have got midfield players but that controlling area, where John Eustace has been playing, is very important. We have quite a few forward-thinking midfielders and we felt it was important to bring in some additional cover and competition for places in that sitting midfield role.”

“When the big games come and the pressure is on, especially when three games a week appear on the fixture list, we will need a full squad and George will be a big asset for us.”

McClaren Speaking to BBC Radio Derby:

"He's a very talented young player, He went to Watford and we kept a close eye on him. He has been back at West Brom for a month now and we feel at this stage we need back-up in that midfield area.”

"It's an ideal opportunity to bring him here to help us, and also for us to help him."

So there we have it, another future top flight star joins the promotion chasing Rams.

But who is this new Thorne in our side?

Born in Chatham, George became part of the West Bromwich Albion Academy in 2005.

He made his debut during a 4—0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in 2009—10, coming off the bench. At the tender age of 16 years and 328 days - this made Thorne the youngest player to represent Albion in a senior competitive match since 1960.

In November of 2011, Thorne joined Portsmouth but was recalled in December due to an injury crisis at West Brom. His return found him back in the first team until he suffered an injury which stalled his first team chances.

On the 21st of November 2012, Thorne joined Peterborough United on loan until January, during which time he impressed with many hard working displays including one that included a goal to help The Posh to an exciting 5—4 win over Bolton.

His good form on loan, found him back at the Hawthornes for the hectic Christmas period and Thorne was thrust into the central midfield for the top of the table clash with Manchester United. His performance on return was noted for his high energy display and ultra efficient passing.

On the 1st of February 2013 West Brom announced that Thorne would be out for six to eight months with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, halting his meteoric rise just as it was gaining momentum.

After returning to full fitness, as mentioned earlier in this article, Thorne was loaned to Watford for a month and now joins the Rams as Steve McClaren looks to strengthen his squad for a promotion push.

Like many other youngsters in the Rams squad, Thorne has also had a taste of international duty having played for the England Under-16’s in 2008 and for the under-17 team in 2010 during the England’s successful European Championship’s campaign.

There is no doubt Thorne is another exciting signing for DCFC as McClaren continues to sprinkle quality youth amongst his now proven senior brigade.

The back up for Eustace, especially with suspension hanging over his head, will be welcomed by everyone except perhaps John, who despite being a rock for the Rams, may struggle to keep Thorne on the bench for long, especially if the youngster lives up to his reputation when he is handed his chance at the Rams.

Welcome George and good luck — you have joined The Rams at an exciting time and look forward to you making things that bit more exciting!!

Video (Below) — George Thorne Speaking To The DCFC Official Site:

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls