The former New Zealand skipper damaged his thumb in a tackle against the Springboks in Pretoria during the All Blacks' Tri-Nations campaign in August.

The unfortunate break thus prevented the star player from representing Canterbury in the final stages of the Air New Zealand Cup.

New Zealand will embark on a four match tour of the northern hemisphere which sees them square off against England at Twickenham on November 6, followed by Test matches against France (two) and Wales.

"I'm definitely available and will see the specialist next Tuesday," said Thorne.

"I'm hoping to get the all clear and it should be all right. I've had the cast off for most of the time so the thumb can get plenty of movement."

Considering he has been named as one of the players All Blacks coach Graham Henry wants rested for the first seven rounds of next year's Super 14, Thorne should be a certainty to tour.

Before Canterbury made their quarter-final exit, thanks to the help of Wellington last week, Thorne was able to participate in some ball drills at training -  but preferred catching the ball with his unharmed hand.

"I was just subconsciously protecting it," Thorne explained.

"It's improved a hell of a lot since then and I'm getting physio on it to get it moving again. It's pretty much healed."

When Thorne does take the field again, it will be more than two months since his last match but he is confident his fitness levels will be up to scratch.

"I've done lots of running and have been going to the gym, although some of that work has been limited."

Thorne was sent back to New Zealand after the Pretoria Test and immediately had an operation that resulted in having a screw inserted into the knuckle.

"The screw was to stabilise it while it healed and I think it will stay there."