Robbie Savage is expected to decide today whether to join Coventry prospect Kevin Thornton on loan at Albion.

Derby’s controversial former Welsh international has spent the weekend considering his options, which include linking up in midfield with Thornton for the virus-hit Seagulls.

Manager Micky Adams has reiterated that, contrary to some reports, Savage has not turned Albion down.

Adams, speaking after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Northampton, said: “Robbie's not ruled it out, although the national papers seem to know more than I do.

“I got a call from Robbie last week saying don’t rule it out, I’ll speak to you on Monday.”

Thornton made an immediate impact on his debut as a second-half substitute at Northampton. The Irishman hit the bar with a free-kick before setting up Glenn Murray for his second goal of the game three minutes into injury time, only for two-goal Adebayo Akinfenwa to snatch a point a point for Northampton three minutes later.

Adams, reflecting on the potential of Thornton, who played under him at Coventry, said: “You saw it in two little glimpses.

“He hits the bar from a free-kick and then sets up the goal with a break from midfield where he ghosts past three players.

“He’s got very quick feet but I don’t want to over-hype him because he’s a cocky little whatever and I have to keep bringing him down to earth. I’ve told him his worse nightmare’s back. That’s me!”

Albion’s plans were disrupted by a virus sweeping through the camp. Steve Thomson and Gary Hart had to be sent home and Adams revealed: “There were two or three players who really shouldn’t have played. We filled them with paracetamol and sent them out there.”

The Seagulls’ reward for last week’s Carling Cup victory over Manchester City is the possibility of a fourth successive home tie in the competition against their next League One hosts, Leeds United, in the last 16 if they beat Derby in the third round at Withdean on November 4.

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