Thornton, who was watched by City's management team from their perch high up in the Main Stand at Port Vale last night, has again struggled with injuries and missed the start of the season after getting an ankle injury in a friendly for City Reserves at Bedworth.
"In my opinion, he is just short of the sixteen at the moment," said Iain Dowie to the CT. "But if he keeps performing like he did against West Brom Reserves then he has got a chance.
"He is a talented lad and has always played in a free way but now he is starting to play in a frame work. He is a midfielder for me, in a four and her does need to make sure he does that."