Brad Hills is ready for the challenge of establishing himself in Norwich City’s first-team after an impressive loan grounding at Accrington Stanley.

The Norfolk-born defender has earned rave reviews and even captained the League Two outfit since joining them last summer in a bid to accelerate his progression.

Hills is one of several young Canaries defenders plying their trade in the fourth tier, and Norwich have earmarked the 20-year-old as someone who could form part of their squad next season.

He will face strong competition from the likes of Jonathan Tomkinson, Emmanuel Adegboyega and Jaden Warner – but doesn’t want to surrender the taste for first-team football he has found this season.

“It’s looking good for next season! We’re all having good seasons, and it’ll be good to go back in pre-season, everyone bonding and fighting for that centre-back spot,” Hills told the Pink Un after Accrington's clash with Sutton on Saturday.

“I’ve always been a Norwich fan. My family are Norwich fans, and I’d love to play for them. But I want to go somewhere where I am going to play football, whether that’s Norwich or Accy. I want to play football week in and week out.

“I came on loan to play football, and that’s what I’m doing. Hopefully, this season will create a pathway for me next season, whether that’s at Norwich or somewhere else in the Football League.

“This is like a stepping stone for me, and I need to keep climbing the ladder and see where that takes me.”

Hills has made 34 appearances for Accrington this term and has delivered some mature performances in a turbulent campaign for the Lancashire-based side.

The Pink Un: Brad Hills is someone Norwich City are monitoring ahead of next season.Brad Hills is someone Norwich City are monitoring ahead of next season. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Norwich have maintained contact with him throughout his temporary spell – and he is enjoying the experience of competitive football after years of academy matches for City.

“We talk most weeks to see how I’m getting on,” he said. “They have left me to get on with what I’m doing, and I think I’ve done that alright.

“There’s a lot more to play for now. It’s totally different to academy football – I feel like you’re a little bit protected. When you’re out here, you are on your own.

“It’s tough out there. When I go back, I feel like I’ll be a bit more mature. I’m still a kid, and I still have those giddy moments. I’m still learning as I go, and I have games left to do that.”