Thornton has enjoyed an up and down season at Sixfields, turning in man-of-the-match displays against Reading and Liverpool in the Carling Cup but at times struggling in League Two.
But he marked his return to the side last weekend with his sixth goal of the season against Stockport and Sampson hopes he seizes his latest chance.
He said: "Kevin Thornton is a talented player and I think for what he showed against Stockport he deserves another chance.
"We want to keep Kevin in the team and the decision to leave him out of the team was no real reflection on his performances it was more of a tactical decision, and one that I think was justified given the results."
Source: PA
Source: PA