George Thorne has struggled for fitness ever since making the permanent switch to Derby County from West Bromwich Albion back in the summer of 2014.

During his four years with the club, including a previous loan spell, Thorne has racked up just 73 appearances, scoring five goals and assisting six more, playing a further 17 times for the Rams' under-23 side.

Last season saw him make no appearances for Frank Lampard's side, however, being sent out on loan to Luton Town where he made just three for the Hatters.

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And it is clear that he has no part in Phillip Cocu's plans, for the first half of the season at least, with the 26-year-old becoming the 12th player to leave Pride Park this summer, joining Oxford United on loan until January.

Whilst it is a move that few Derby fans disagreed with, many were still disappointed to see the continuing downward spiral of the mdifielder's career...