Big chance for Thorne and door at Rams is not closed

FRANK Lampard says the door at Derby County is not closed on George Thorne.

Thorne has joined League One club Luton Town on loan until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who has 18 months to run on his contract at Derby, has not featured under Lampard this season.

His last appearance in the Rams first team was in the 4-1 home defeat by Sunderland in March, when Gary Rowett was manager.

Thorne has been unlucky with injuries since joining Derby in a permanent deal from West Bromwich Albion in July 2014.

Lampard believes going out on loan to play regular first-team football will be good for the player.

“He is very highly regarded at this club, I know that,” said Lampard.

“I know the injury problems he had. We had a long chat before preseason, myself and George. He trained with us all pre-season and I watched him closely. He has played with the under-23s regularly and I watched every game.

“I think it is personally good for George to go and play.

“He remains our player and, hopefully, if he plays regularly, and plays well, he comes back to being our player.”

Asked if the door is closed for him at Derby, Lampard said: “No, he is on loan for the rest of the season. He has a longer contract than that with us and it will be great for George’s fitness.

“It is not easy to come back from the injuries he has had. He needs to have himself physically on top. After injuries it is difficult but he can work on that, too, and then play regular games. It will be great for him.”

Rams goalkeeper Matthew Yates has extended his loan spell with Hereford until the end of the season, while Ethan Wassall has returned to the club. George Thorne

The under-23 duo joined the Bulls on initial one-month loan deals in October.

Yates has gone on to make 15 appearances for the National League North side, who are 19th in the table. He has kept two clean sheets in those games.

The club confirmed that Yates will now remain with Hereford until the end of the season, as they look to stave off relegation.

They are currently one place and four points above the relegation zone.

Derby also confirmed that central defender Wassall, son of Academy director Darren Wassall, will return to the club following the completion of his loan.