Pompey chief eyes Albion duo

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton has admitted that he could look to re-sign West Brom duo George Thorne and Scott Allan on loan.

The former Albion assistant boss, who left the Hawthorns to take over at Fratton Park during the course of last season, failed to keep the cash-strapped club in the Championship. And, as Appleton is aiming to build a side capable of securing promotion from League One at the first attempt, he is looking to try and get Albion fringe duo Thorne and Allan back to the south coast outfit after they impressed for Pompey last term. It is not known if the pair would be willing to drop down to the third tier of English football, but Appleton will do his best to persuade them. Appleton, who has also been linked to Baggies' keeper Luke Daniels, told the Pompey News: "You never know about George and Scott coming back. I would never say never. "I would imagine they would have a lot of admirers from how they played last season. They are good players. "At the end of the day, is Portsmouth a big enough club for them to take a chance to come and play? I would say it is. "I have been in touch with them this summer but only by text. "They are good lads who enjoyed it here. "The players will know where they stand at West Brom once pre-season is out of the way and it's the start of the season in terms of mid-August. "Who knows if they will come back to us? "I think it is going to be very difficult. But I would never rule it out with the relationship I have with the two lads. "Like I said, it is a case of never say never."