Norwich City boss Alex Neil has hailed the capture of Graham Dorrans after the Canaries confirmed the loan extension of the Scottish international ahead of Thursday afternoon's emergency loan deadline.

The West Brom midfielder was expected to return, after his initial short-term move from the Baggies ran out of after last weekend's 3-1 Championship win over Nottingham Forest.

Dorrans will now remain at Carrow Road until May 25, which would cover the duration of a potential play-off push, should City miss out on automatic promotion.

'I'm really pleased we've got Graham on board to the end of the season,' Neil told the club's official site. 'When he first came here he needed some match time, but he's got better game-by-game. As a player, he's got a football brain, he can get about the pitch, he's physically strong and he can carry out a variety of roles within the team. He's very versatile, which is ideal for a manager.

'Between now and the end of the season, his progress in terms of his dominance in games will only continue.'

Dorrans has made eight appearances for City since joining the club on February 19.

'I feel as though I've settled in well over the last few games and that I'm up to speed with the rest of the boys,' he said. 'We've got some tough games coming up but hopefully we can get as many points as we can, and that it will be enough to get in the top two. The manager has been great, and his desire to get back to the Premier League is second to none. Having been here I've seen that, which made this a decision I wanted to take. I knew I was coming to a club with quality players and I feel like I've added to that.

'All the lads have made it easy to settle in and have been great with me. We've had some good results in the last couple of weeks so hopefully we can continue that.'

Dorrans was part of the West Brom squad who went up from the Championship in 2010 and the Scot is confident Norwich can emulate that achievement.

'We've got a decent run coming up and on our day can beat anyone,' he told the club's official site. 'With two games in quick succession it will be tough, but we'll concentrate on each one as it comes. Brighton are a good side, but if we stick to our game-plan we're hopeful of getting the three points. Every match from now is massive. We're confident we can get the job done.'

City had until 5pm on Thursday to complete a loan move for Dorrans. The news came after reported loan target Chuba Akpom opted to join Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.