Cambridge boss Shaun Derry hopes Norwich City prospect Adam Phillips can add some quality to his team's midfield.

The U's are five points adrift of the League Two play-off places and have brought in City's U23s captain, a former Liverpool trainee, on loan until the end of the season.

'Adam is a player that arrives with a fantastic reputation and one that we have kept a close eye on for a couple of years now,' Derry said. 'With the second half of the season still to play, we highlighted the need for more options and quality on the ball in midfield areas.

'We wish Adam the very best of luck during his time here with Cambridge United.'

The central midfielder, who turns 20 on January 15, signed a two-year contract after a trial spell with the Canaries last summer, with the club retaining the option of a further year.

Head of football operations, Ben Strang – formerly head of academy recruitment at Norwich – speaking to United's website, added: 'Adam has got good pedigree from his academy upbringing at both Liverpool and Norwich City, and this is a great opportunity for him to experience first team football.

'We would like to thank Norwich, particularly (loans manager) Neil Adams and (sporting director) Stuart Webber in facilitating this move.'