CONOR Thomas will be welcome to return for pre-season training with boyhood club Coventry City should his trial with Swindon Town prove unsuccessful.

The 22-year-old midfielder is currently attempting to earn a deal for the upcoming season with Luke Williams’ Town alongside fellow hopefuls Jack Powell, Ronald Huth and Christian Nanetti.

Thomas, who was highly-rated as a teenager and went on loan to Premier League giants Liverpool with a view to a £1million move in February 2011, has been let go by Coventry after a campaign blighted by injuries but has been offered the chance to earn a new home at the County Ground.

However, Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray says that the door remains open at the Ricoh Arena for the Town triallist.

“I think he needs a fresh start and a new challenge but I have told Conor that if he’s not set-up, not found a club, that he can come and do pre-season with us,” Mowbray told the Coventry Telegraph.

“I like him, like his personality, and he’s a good kid.

“It’s harsh to say he’s not getting offered anything and yet I have to do what’s right for the team and this football club.

“And yet, on a human level, as with Aaron Phillips (released Coventry defender, who has since signed for Northampton Town), it’s very difficult to say ‘I think it’s best you go and get your career started’.”

Thomas, who featured twice against Town in the 2014-15 season, was signed by Liverpool in 2011 after making just one substitute appearance for the Sky Blues and that transfer led to the resignation of Sky Blues vice-chairman Gary Hoffman, who regarded Thomas’ transfer as the final straw in his relationship with owners SISU.

His Anfield move was cut short by a hamstring injury, with the player and Liverpool mutually agreeing upon his return to Coventry.