Rowett: “We Know What George Is Capable Of”

Gary Rowett has backed George Thorne to show what he’s capable of after he committed his future to Derby County.

The midfielder signed a new deal, which will run until the summer of 2020, on Friday.

Thorne was due to be out of contract at the end of the season but, following talks in recent weeks, he has put pen-to-paper on fresh terms.

The 25-year-old has featured 17 times for Derby this season and has started four of the Rams’ last five matches.

After recovering from a lengthy lay-off with a broken leg, which forced him to miss all of the season, he has impressed in the middle of the park alongside Tom Huddlestone.

Rowett believes Thorne will only to continue to grow in stature as he continues to get more match minutes under his belt.

He told RamsTV: “I’m really pleased that George has committed his future and I would hope to see him go from strength-to-strength.

“I’ve watched a lot of George in the past when he was fit and playing games. With more game time, we know what he is capable of and I know what a top player he can be.

“He has shown us that he can provide that little bit of control in midfield alongside Tom Huddlestone in recent games and, with Joe Ledley, Bradley Johnson and young Jamie Hanson as well, we have some fantastic options in midfield.”

He added: “It’s been a difficult period for George because he’s not had that prolonged period of matches and fitness, which has obviously been unfortunate for him – but he’s back playing now and he and the medical staff have worked incredibly hard to get to this point.”

Thorne penned his new deal just 24 hours after goalkeeper Scott Carson signed up until the summer of 2020.

Rowett says both he and Executive Chairman Mel Morris are keen to avoid having any uncertainty around the squad at a key period of the season.

The Derby boss also reaffirmed his commitment to the club earlier this month by signing a new long-term contract.

“What we certainly didn’t want, and it was Mel’s thinking really, was any uncertainty in this period because that has happened before to Derby County,” the 43-year-old explained.

“I think it’s a really, really good idea and it’s good for the long-term that players want to commit to Derby County.

“To get those players over the line gives them that assured thinking which means they can just focus on their football or worry about their future.

“We’re pleased that a number of the players are starting to commit to what we’re doing.”