The loan deal of Southampton defender Jos Hooiveld has been cut short by Norwich City.

The Dutchman joined City on a season-long loan early in the season but fell out of favour under previous manager Neil Adams and had only played once in the last three months.

The 31-year-old will now join Championship strugglers Millwall for the rest of the season instead.

A statement on the Canaries' official website stated: 'City can confirm Dutch central defender Jos Hooiveld's loan from Southampton has been terminated – and the player is now set to move from the Saints to Millwall on loan for the rest of the season.

'Hooiveld, 31, joined City on loan in a summer transfer window deadline day move on September 1 and made a total of six appearances in City's defence earlier in the season.'

The former Celtic centre-back initially looked to have formed a good partnership with Michael Turner at the heart of City's defence, with the Canaries winning three and drawing one of Hooiveld's first four games, conceding five goals.

But the Dutchman faded from the first-team picture after a 3-3 home draw with Brighton, despite the fact that City were not beaten in any of the six matches he started.

His exit coincides with the recent return to Carrow Road of Sebastien Bassong following a three-month loan spell with Watford.