Lowry, a 21-year-old Perth-born defender, joins the Blades from Premiership outfit Aston Villa.

New Sheffield United boss Micky Adams has drafted in Lowry following injuries to defensive duo Nyron Nosworthy and Chris Morgan.

"He is young, enthusiastic, fits the profile we are looking for and I have watched him recently in Villa's reserves," Adams said.

"He had a good loan spell at Leeds United last season so coming to a club like ours won't faze him."

Lowry, who missed out on Holger Osieck's 50-man provisional Asian Cup squad, spent time on loan at Leeds and Plymouth Argyle last term.

The Australian made his one and only Villa first-team appearance in the FA Cup last season, but hasn't been able to break through this term, being an unused substitute four times in the Premiership.

Lowry's loan deal has no recall clause meaning he will spend the rest of the campaign at Bramall Lane.

The left-sided youngster will link up with the Blades squad for the first time on Friday.