Oxford United midfielder George Thorne admitted he had nerves ahead of his first start since departing Derby County in January, Witney Gazette report.
The 27-year-old joined Oxford United from Derby in January.
Thorne made his first start for his new club in midweek. Oxford defeated Accrington Stanley 3-0 at home to keep their League One playoff aspirations alive.
Speaking to reporters, the former Rams player admitted he was nervous.
I was nervous actually. It’s been a long time and I had kind of forgotten what those nerves felt like until I was named in the starting line-up. Once the first 15 minutes got out of the way I got to grips with the game and I thought I grew into it.
George Thorne became a forgotten man at Derby County.
After a wonderful loan spell at the club back in 2013/14, Derby fans were ecstatic when Thorne made the permanent switch to Derby from West Bromwich Albion.
Alongside Jeff Hendrick, Will Hughes and Craig Bryson, many felt the Rams had a potential Premier League midfield on their hands and promotion was on the cards.
Thorne, however, suffered an ACL knee injury just weeks after signing. And, after recovering from more than a year out, he broke his leg at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
In recent times, no Derby player has ever been as unlucky with injuries. Thorne made just 66 league appearances in five-and-a-half seasons at Pride Park.
After a loan spell at Oxford earlier this season (where he again suffered an injury, this time a dislocated shoulder), Thorne moved permanently in January.
Derby fans will wish the 27-year-old the best of luck at his new club. He deserves an injury-free run and the chance to once again enjoy playing regular football.
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