By Gareth James
Wales winger Sorba Thomas has swapped a relegation fight with Huddersfield for a promotion chase with Blackburn Rovers after being told he had fallen down the pecking order with the Terriers.
Thomas – who went to the World Cup with Wales only two months ago – was told his chances were going to be limited at Huddersfield after they brought in some new additions.
The club are languishing in the Championship relegation zone, three points adrift of Cardiff City who are in 21st place.
Thomas has now been picked up on loan by Rovers who are fourth in the table and look a good bet to make the play-offs.
Huddersfield have recently signed Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert on loan and Terriers manager Mark Fotheringham said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Sorba since arriving at the club, and he was involved a lot at the start of my time in charge, so has had plenty of opportunity to show us what he’s all about.
“However, with new faces introduced to the squad this month and other players deserving their own opportunities, there are only so many places available.
“Sorba is still a young player who is only in his second full season of professional football at this level.
“Adding consistency to his performances is something that will come with time.
“Given our focus of staying in the division, we need players who are ready to perform straightaway, so it is the best thing for both ourselves and Sorba that he goes out to try and find more regular minutes elsewhere.”
Thomas has made 25 appearances for Huddersfield this season and came on as a substitute for Wales in their 1-1 World Cup draw against the USA in Qatar.
Thomas said of his move, “It was a no-brainer, especially seeing how well the team have done and where they are in the league.
✍️ We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Huddersfield Town winger Sorba Thomas.
🏴 The Welsh international, who has seven caps for his country, joins until the end of the 2022-23 season.#SorbaSigns | #Rovers 🔵⚪️
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) January 25, 2023
“It’s a massive club with a massive history and I think I’d rather play with the players than against them, to be honest. It’s unreal to get it done and I can’t wait to meet the boys, meet the gaffer and get going.
“I’m eager, I’m ready to go, it’s a team that’s fighting in the play-offs and that’s where I want to be. I’ve come to bring something to the team that maybe the group needs.”