Kevin Thornton

Football player infobox
playername = Kevin Thornton


fullname = Kevin Thornton
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|7|9
cityofbirth = Drogheda
countryofbirth = Republic of Ireland
height = height|ft=5|in=7
currentclub = Brighton & Hove Albion
(on loan from Coventry City)
clubnumber = 10
position = Attacking midfielder
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 2005–
2008
clubs = Coventry City
→ Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)
caps(goals) = 47 (2)
nationalyears = 2007–
nationalteam = Republic of Ireland U21
nationalcaps(goals) = 00 (0)
pcupdate = 26th September 2008 (UTC)
ntupdate = 00:04, 21 September 2008 (UTC)

Kevin Thornton (born 9 July 1986 in Drogheda, County Louth) is an Irish footballer currently on loan at League One side Brighton & Hove Albion from Championship team Coventry City.

Playing career

A promising midfielder and product of the Sky Blues' Academy, Thornton was given a squad number for the first time in the 2005–06 season following a productive pre-season in which he was included on the trips to Ibiza and Ireland. Thornton showed a lot of potential indicating he may well become a key player for Coventry when given his chance that season, and is already a fans' favourite due to his exciting style of play, his aggression, and the fact he has come through the Coventry youth system.

So far only injury has prevented Thornton from establishing himself as a first-team regular. The young Irishman caught the eye towards the end of the 2005–06 season and showed he could be capable of becoming a key player for Coventry in the future with a string of impressive displays.

Already a fans' favourite due to his exciting style of play, Thornton scored his first goal for the club in August 2006 against Hull City, but injury marred what seemed destined to be a successful season, limiting him to just 13 appearances.

Thornton penned a new two-year extension to his contract in May 2007, which will keep him at the club until the end of 2009–10.

On the 26 September 2008, Thornton signed a 6-week loan deal at League One team Brighton & Hove Albion. [ [http://www.seagulls.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1404967,00.html Albion sign Midfielder] , "Seagulls World", 26th September 2008. Retrieved 26th September 2008]

Personal life

Thornton is the younger brother of former Sunderland player Sean Thornton.

References

* [http://www.ccfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10269~35248,00.html Kevin Thornton player profile] at ccfc.co.uk
*soccerbase|id=42163|name= Kevin Thornton