BREAKING: Sheffield United's James Wallace cites need to play games behind loan switch to Shrews

The 24-year-old, who has seen his United career hampered by a number of injuries since joining from Tranmere Rovers in June 2014, will spend the rest of the season with United's League One rivals.

Wallace has made seven appearances for the Blades this season, but his United tally so far stands at just 20 games. This is the second time Wallace has signed on loan for Shrewsbury.

Wallace, who joined the Shrews on loan from Everton as a youngster, told the Shropshire Star: "I'm delighted to be back. It was an easy decision. It's a good club and there's good people here.

"I've got more experience now. I was only a youth team player when I came to Shrewsbury from Everton. I've learned League One a lot more. It's a lot more physical than when I was younger.

"Micky has given me the chance to come and play football, which I was delighted with. Sheffield United have got 42 pro players on their books and it didn't look like I was getting into their team. I had a few little injuries but I've been fit for four or five months and training every day, I just wasn't getting game time.

"I was playing reserve team football, which isn't like first-team football."

Shrews boss Micky Mellon is delighted to have got his man.

He told the club's official website: "We've said all along that we wanted to try and add some legs to the midfield along with terrific League One quality - and James certainly has that in abundance. He's a lad I've been very aware of over the years, and when the opportunity came we believed we could get him in. "He fitted the mould of what we want in order to give ourselves a chance of winning games in this league. He's had some great experience at Tranmere and Sheffield United and he's a lad that's hungry to come here and do well. He's desperate to get going and I think it's a fantastic acquisition for the football club. "He'll be great in and around the place and he's a lad with great ability. He's trained on Tuesday morning and looks in great shape along with the other lads. I felt that we've been outrun too many times in midfield in too many games and we needed to bring in people who could match opponents in that area of the pitch."

United boss Nigel Adkins had hinted that a loan deal was in the offing at his press conference yesterday, before tonight's League One clash with Wigan.

"James needs games," Adkins said.

"I’ve had several conversations with him, hopefully he’s got more confidence in his body now and has had a sustained period of training. From his point of view, from mine and the club, it might be beneficial that he gets them."