Cambridge United have today completed the loan signing of Aston Villa centre forward Rushian Hepburn-Murphy until the end of the 2018/19 season.
The highly rated 20-year old arrives at the Abbey Stadium looking to add further Football League experience to his exciting potential and provides Head Coach Colin Calderwood additional attacking options within the first team squad.
Hepburn-Murphy, a product of the Villa Academy, is a pacey centre forward and has previously worked with the U's boss during his time as Assistant Manager to Steve Bruce at Villa Park.
Commenting on the youngster's arrival at the Abbey, Calderwood said: "We're delighted to get Rushian in as an addition to the squad for the rest of the season.
"Firstly we would like to thank Aston Villa for allowing him out on loan to us, as I'm sure he is a young player who will have been highly sought after.
"Rushian provides us with a different type of centre forward and will add to our ammunition in that area of the pitch. The loan works well for all parties as it will also give him a super platform to develop his senior playing experience."
The second youngest player ever to feature for the Villans when he made his professional debut in the Premier League aged 16 years and 176 days against Sunderland in 2015, Hepburn-Murphy has since amassed 16 further senior appearances predominantly in the Championship.
He also boasts strong international pedigree having represented England on 15 occasions at every age level between U16-U20.
U's Head of Football Ben Strang added: "As we’ve previously communicated, adding forward options to the group was a priority for us; so we are thrilled to add a player of Rushian’s calibre.
“He’s one we’ve seen a lot of over the years and always admired. He’s a player Colin knows well and this relationship will be important in maximising Rushian’s contribution during his time with us.”
Hepburn-Murphy, who will wear number 9 for United, has already taken part in his first training session with the U's this morning and will be in contention for his first Cambridge United appearance in tomorrow's Sky Bet League Two fixture against Notts County at Meadow Lane.
Tickets are still available for the fixture, priced at just £2, with a strong Amber Army following of over 1,600 set to make the journey currently. The match is All-Ticket and tickets must therefore be purchased in advance at cufcdirect.com before 3pm today.