Norwich City midfielder Stephen Hughes has joined League One club MK Dons on an emergency loan until March 13.

The 28-year-old will be available for the Dons' next eight league matches after being strongly linked with a loan move north of the border during last month's transfer window.

SPL trio Aberdeen, Hibernian and St Johnstone were all reportedly interested in a short term deal following confirmation from City boss Paul Lambert he was willing to let the Scottish international get regular first team football.

The Motherwell-born player had only featured twice this season from the bench for the Canaries before undergoing ankle surgery in October.

Hughes returned in the recent Norfolk Senior Cup tie against Norwich United where he scored the winner in a 90 minute outing.

Hughes has made 36 first team appearances for the Canaries but has so far been unable to establish himself as a regular since his free transfer switch from Motherwell in the summer of 2009.

The former Rangers trainee made 12 league starts during the Canaries' triumphant League One title-winning campaign last season, although former team mate Darel Russell was largely preferred in the holding midfield role. Hughes did earn a first full Scottish international cap for a friendly against Japan in October 2009.

Meanwhile, Millwall boss Kenny Jackett will decide next week whether the Lions will approach City to extend Jens Berthel Askou's initial loan deal.

The Dane is poised to return from a three match ban this weekend against strugglers Sheffield United after being sent off on his Millwall debut at Leicester. The centre back's final match of his month long spell is against Middlesbrough next weekend.

'He has this Saturday and next Saturday and then we will see if it is something we want to extend it any further,' confirmed Jackett.

Hughes' switch to Milton Keynes means nine City players are now out on loan, with Askou joined on the list by Cody McDonald (Gillingham), Tom Adeyemi (Bradford City), Matt Gill (Brentford), Luke Daley (Stevenage), Oli Johnson (Yeovil), Steven Smith (Aberdeen) and Owain Tudur Jones (Brentford).

Only one player is currently at Carrow Road on loan – young Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury.

• Norwich City have been awarded the Football League's 'family excellence award' for a fourth consecutive year.

A record 47 clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League were recognised this season following an independent assessment, commissioned by The Football League, which used 'mystery shopper' families to gauge the experience clubs provide for young fans and families at their grounds.

'The Football League Family Excellence Award provides clubs with a benchmark in their efforts to attract families through their gates,' said Football League chairman, Greg Clarke. 'It is hugely encouraging to see that the number of clubs receiving the accolade is at its highest ever level, demonstrating The Football League's commitment to securing the next generation of fans.'

Norwich's Championship rivals Cardiff, Doncaster, Ipswich and Swansea were also recognised for the fourth consecutive year.