Sheffield United: Paddy McCarthy signs on loan from Crystal Palace

McCarthy has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 and 'B' level

Sheffield United have signed Crystal Palace defender Paddy McCarthy on an initial one-month loan deal.

McCarthy, 31, will be available for up to six League One fixtures, and goes straight into United's squad for Saturday's local derby at Chesterfield.

The Dublin-born centre-half recently signed a contract extension with the Eagles, taking him until the end of the 2015-16 season.

McCarthy has played 151 Palace games since joining from Charlton in 2008.