West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson is of the belief that young midfielder George Thorne will benefit most from the fact the club did not sign Owen Hargreaves in the summer.
Hodgson was linked with the former Manchester United man, who was a shock free transfer signing by Manchester City on transfer deadline day, and the Baggies boss says it is a blessing in disguise for 18-year old Thorne who can now really have a crack at pushing into the first team.
"I was a bit worried if Owen came in, especially if he was on the verge of playing, that someone I think we need to keep might have been pushed out of the door by being moved one down the pecking order," admitted Hodgson.
The England U19 international made his Premier League debut last season and played 82 minutes of the recent Carling Cup win over Bournemouth.
