Gregg Broughton described Sorba Thomas as a ‘game-changer’ after welcoming Rovers’ first January signing to the club.

Thomas has joined on loan for the remainder of the season, with no option to make the deal permanent.

The Wales international, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Wednesday, has six assists already this season, backing up his 12 in the last campaign which helped the Terriers reach the play-off final.

The winger is a set-piece specialist, and has put in 233 crosses this season, the third most of any player in the division.

Given Rovers’ struggles when conceding the first goal, as well as their low expected goals figure, director of football Broughton believes that in Thomas they have a player who can make a key impact.

The club are focused on adding further to their squad, with a striker top of the priority list, but Broughton has backed Thomas to make an impact and boost the attacking options in Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad.

He said: “The January window will usually present two alternatives: players coming out of contract who are long-term options or loans who we feel can make a short-term impact.

“One of the key focuses for this window was on players who can change a game, either in the opening stages or if the scoreline is close late on.

“Sorba is a game-changer. His delivery and chance creation is excellent, both from open play and set-pieces, and he also has the pace to stretch a game.

“He was a key player in the Huddersfield team who played at Wembley in May and he comes to Rovers having already played 25 games this season.” 

Thomas has clocked up 83 appearances for Huddersfield since joining in January 2021 from Boreham Wood.

He was a key part of the side which reached last season’s play-off final, and has made 25 appearances already this season.

That return saw him make the Wales World Cup squad, featuring as a substitute in the opening game draw with USA.

However, he hasn’t been a regular of late, and with Huddersfield having made five additions already this window, including two wide players, the club opted to allow him to leave on loan.

That is despite Huddersfield struggling at the bottom end of the Championship table.

Explaining the club’s decision, head coach 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, and 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 will be ineligible for this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Birmingham City having already played in the competition for his parent club.

He also won’t be able to feature against Huddersfield when the sides meet at the John Smith’s Stadium on Good Friday.

Thomas has been handed the No.14 shirt at Rovers.

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