FORMER Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton joined Orient during the summer of 2007.

The 26-year-old Irishman had just been released by Doncaster Rovers after two seasons with the Keepmoat Stadium club, and he has showed signs that his move to Brisbane Road could revive a career that looked set for the top during his time with the Black Cats.

He scored a superb free-kick on his O's debut at Southend United, but injuries and suspensions disrupted the 2007/08 season, while he was loaned out to Shrewsbury Town at the start of the 2008/09 campaign.

But he returned to form under new manager Geraint Williams and he was an integral member of the side that secured their League One safety.

Thornton, a creative midfielder with fine passing skills, began his career in English football as a youngster with Tranmere Rovers.

He made just 13 senior appearances for the Merseyside club before earning a move to Premiership Sunderland in July 2002.

He was loaned out to Blackpool but returned to Wearside and began to make his mark, appearing 11 times in the top flight and scoring a wonder goal against Chelsea.

Thornton helped Mick McCarthy's side win promotion back to the Premiership two years later, but was allowed to leave for Doncaster in a £175,000 transfer that summer.

59 league appearances later, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll decided he was surplus to requirements, allowing Orient to nip in and capture their man.

Sean Thornton
Squad No: 10
Position: Midfielder (C)
Place and Date of Birth: Drogheda (Ireland), May 18, 1983
Height and Weight: 5.10 / 12.08
Full Orient Debut: Away v Southend United (W2-1, August 11 2007)