Trio recalled after Morrison injury

20 December 2011 17:00
Thorne, Fortune and Jara Reyes in squad for Newcastle

Albion have exercised their right to recall George Thorne, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Gonzalo Jara-Reyes following James Morrison’s injury and the absence of Somen Tchoyi.

The three will go straight into the first team squad to play Newcastle United tomorrow after Roy Hodgson decided to increase his available options.

In-form Morrison limped off with a hamstring strain after his wonder-strike against Blackburn Rovers but is expected to be fit to face Manchester City on Boxing Day. Somen Tchyoi will again be absent following the birth of his child.

Youngster Thorne has impressed at Portsmouth during his first experience of first-team football. Jara-Reyes and Marc-Antonie Fortune have also impressed during their loan spells at Brighton and Doncaster, respectively, and have given the Albion boss something to think about ahead of the trip north.   

“We do need these players," Hodgson insisted.

"It was a calculated risk to let those players go out on loan.

"We worked on the basis that the games and the experience would be so good for them that it was worth taking the risk we would leave ourselves short during that period of time.

"But we always had the intention, coming up to this busy Christmas and New Year period, that we would probably want them back again and the clubs we loaned them to were aware of that.

"I'm pleased to see them all back and it's more a case of prudence and covering our own needs rather than being in dire trouble.

"They will all be on the plane to Newcastle."

Would you pick any of the returning players against Newcastle? Have your say at Baggies Banter. 

 

Source: FOOTYMAD