Norwich City striker Adam Idah is ready for a loan move to progress his development, according to academy manager Steve Weaver.

Idah has been linked with various moves away from the club this window, but City boss Daniel Farke is yet to make a decision on the striker's future.

The 18-year-old grabbed the headlines after netting a hat-trick in the Canaries' 4-2 third round victory over Preston North End earlier this month.

With Teemu Pukki and Josip Drmic injured, young Idah got the nod at Old Trafford to make his full Premier League debut at the Theatre of Dreams.

His progression at City has been rapid, but with the City's reliance on Pukki up front, Idah has been forced to be patient.

The Pink Un: Idah grabbed the headlines after netting a hat-trick against Preston in the FA Cup. Picture: Michael Sedgwick/Focus Images LtdIdah grabbed the headlines after netting a hat-trick against Preston in the FA Cup. Picture: Michael Sedgwick/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

That opening goal against Preston North End was the source of pride from those who have helped Idah's development inside the walls of Colney, with the Irishman's intelligent movement being worked upon in the second year of his academy development.

Speaking at the first of the club's 'Hub Talks', Weaver revealed the next stage of his development is to get regular minutes out on loan.

"Stopping momentum isn't good for any player. Adam is at that stage now, he'll be desperate for it after Preston," said Weaver.

"If he stays, then you can guarantee he'll get regular minutes because Daniel is a big believer in young players. At this stage of his development, he needs regular first team football."

Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers have been heavily linked with Idah since his hat-trick. With Pukki and Drmic the only striking options at the club, Idah may be required as an understudy for Farke's first team.

City's academy head of performance Jay Eastoe-Smith spoke about the raw materials Idah possessed from a background of amateur football in his home nation and how his journey has been geared to utilising his strengths.

Idah's physicality made him susceptible to injury, but the Irish striker's work rate and the club's programme aided his improvement.

Farke has proven himself to be a youth-enabling coach, with City's academy producing four highly-rated, consistent first-team operators.

Idah is hoping to be the next kid off the block, but may have to prove his credentials via a loan spell before making his case in Norfolk.