Norwich City midfielder Adam Phillips is hoping to get his first taste of Football League action this weekend.
The former Liverpool trainee, who turns 20 next week, has joined League Two side Cambridge United on loan for the remainder of the season.
Phillips was signed on a free transfer last summer after a trial spell with City's under-23s and was soon made captain of the development squad, scoring two goals in 14 games before going out on loan.
He also featured as an unused substitute during two first-team games but is hoping to make his U's debut when Shaun Derry's team host play-off rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday.
'It seems like a long time coming,' Phillips said of his potential professional debut. 'Obviously I got a few injuries at Liverpool but I'm looking forward to the environment, playing in front of fans and playing for points.
'In the under-23s you can have a bad game but really it's not too much about the team or result, it's about your development.
'I've spoken to a few people about the league and they've said it's fast, physical and sometimes a bit of a fight, but I'm up for it.
'I'm not the kind of player who will shy away, I'll front up and put myself about.'
Phillips has an impressive pedigree as a smooth passer who likes to set the tempo of games, who played for Liverpool during pre-season under Brendan Rodgers in 2014.
'I think the manager was quite interested with me so contacted Norwich himself,' Phillips continued, speaking to the Cambridge News.
'He liked the way I play, I'm calm on the ball which is what the manager wanted.
'He wants me to be in midfield maybe a bit higher up the pitch too and he wants me to get forward but also develop the defensive side of my game.
'I think I can do both. I'm not afraid of getting on the ball in tough areas when the team are a bit under the cosh.
'I'm looking to take set-pieces and want to add a couple of goals to my games and I have created a lot of chances this season.
'I always try to look forward and get other players involved.'
• Follow Canaries correspondent David Freezer on Facebook @DavidFreezer1 or on Twitter @davefreezer
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