FORMER Norwich Academy scholar Jason Shackell has today returned to City on loan for the rest of the season.

The central defender left Carrow Road to join Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day last August.

Speaking about Shackell's return Norwich boss Bryan Gunn exclusively told canaries.co.uk: "It's fantastic to have him back. I bumped into him at Molineux last week and realised that he wasn't part of Mick's immediate plans and it was an opportunity to bring in a quality player in an area of the pitch we need to get cover.

"He knows the place, the Football Club and it made the decision very easy and Jason is looking forward to the next three months at the Canaries."

Shackell told First News: "I saw and spoke to the gaffer last Tuesday and I'm obviously happy to come back to a place I know so well and now just want to help us get away from the bottom of the table.

"I want to play games and it's a good opportunity for me especially at a club with so many players I know so well."

The 25-year-old made his City debut against Derby County in April 2003 and went on to make 131 appearances for the Canaries, scoring twice. Since his move to Molineux he has featured 13 times in all competitions for Mick McCarthy's side, one of those being a substitute appearance against Norwich in Wolves' 5-2 loss back in October 2008.

He has been allocated squad number four.