ORIENT have made former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton their sixth summer signing after the 25-year-old put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract.

Thornton came through a medical on Wednesday afternoon and his arrival completes a central midfield quartet of Adam Chambers, Paul Terry, Michael Simpson and the ex-Sunderland man.

The Drogheda-born midfielder played in the top flight during his time with the Black Cats, and he commanded a £175,000 transfer fee when he moved to Doncaster, so O's boss Martin Ling was delighted to land his man.

"I'm pleased to have Sean on board," Ling said.  "We've been looking for a creative midfielder and Sean fits the bill perfectly.

"He will fit into our style of play and I believe we have signed a quality player.

"It means there are now eight midfield players competing for those four spots and I'm also pleased that we've tied another position up."

Irishman Thornton began his career in English football with Tranmere Rovers, but after just 11 League appearances he won a move to Sunderland.

Thornton was a regular in the Wearsiders' team during their 2002/03 Premiership campaign and he also played his part in helping them to the Championship title two years later.

July 2005 brought a £175,000 transfer to Doncaster Rovers and following 77 appearances for the Keepmoat Stadium club, he was allowed to leave on a free this summer.

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