Derby County defender Paul Connolly has today joined Championship rivals Sheffield United on a month's loan.

The 26-year-old right-back has found first-team opportunities limited since the turn of the year after the arrival of Nicky Hunt from Bolton Wanderers.

His last outing for the Rams came on 9 January against Scunthorpe United, and since his arrival from Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2008 he has racked up 71 appearances in total in Derby colours.

The Blades are 3 points behind the playoff spots in the table and Connolly could make his debut this evening at home to Blackpool.