Orient boss would be happy to let Thornton stay at Shrewsbury

2:30pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

ORIENT boss Martin Ling claims he remains open-minded about the future of midfielder Sean Thornton.

The Irishman is close to completing his month loan spell at Shrewsbury where he has enjoyed a return to form, after falling out of Ling's plans at Brisbane Road.

And the early signs are that Shrews boss Paul Simpson would be happy to keep the 25-year-old, who it seems would even like to increase his stay for a longer period this time.

“I've spoken to Paul Simpson and he's asked me to stay for another month, but I'd like to stay for perhaps two or three," Thornton told BBC Radio Shropshire.

“Shrewsbury are a progressive club with an exciting team that are going places.

“It's difficult adapting for one month at a time so I'd like to stay longer and settle in here.”

And Ling claimed yesterday that he would be more than happy to let Thornton remain with the League Two outfit for the maximum 93-day period.

He said: “I'm still waiting to thrash things out with Paul Simpson, because for the first month they didn't cover Sean's full money.

“So if they do want to take him again they will have to cover all of his wages now and it will be up to them the length of time they want to keep him.

“I would be more than happy if they want to take him for the full 93-day period, because it would allow me to use his money in other areas.”

And even if a deal can't be reached, Ling has stated that he would be more than happy to work with the former Sunderland and Doncaster midfielder again.

He continued: “If Sean plays to his full potential there is no doubting that he has some real ability there, but the trouble was that he wasn't doing that day in day out on the training pitch and in games while he was with us.

“So at the time I thought it was best that he went out on loan and maybe going to Shrewsbury has been the kick up the backside he needed.

“As I've said before if he comes back to this football club he will be considered a part of the squad and if I saw enough positives signs I certainly wouldn't have a problem playing him in my team again.”

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