Leicester City's Nicky Adams goes on loan to Leyton Orient

Leicester City midfielder Nicky Adams has joined Leyton Orient on a one-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old has been allowed to join the League One side to gain competitive match action and goes straight into the O's squad for the visit of Bristol Rovers to Brisbane Road today.

Adams has made only one league start this season and just seven appearances as a substitute. As City do not play in a reserve league, he has been unable to gain much match practise.

Adams enjoyed a successful two-month loan at Rochdale in January last year but only made two appearances on his return as City claimed the League One title.

Adams joined City from Bury, where he had come through the youth ranks, in July, 2008 for an initial fee of £100,000, which could rise to £225,000.

He made his debut in a League Cup match against Stockport, while his league debut came in a 3-1 win over Tranmere Rovers, but he has only made 12 starts in total for City, scoring two goals.

Meanwhile, Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has praised the contribution of winger Max Gradel, who is returning to Leicester on Monday after his loan spell at Elland Road expires.

Grayson was hoping to convince City to either let the Ivorian stay at the League One club until the end of the season or sell him to Leeds.

However, City boss Nigel Pearson confirmed on Thursday that Gradel was to return to the Walkers Stadium.

Gradel has scored three goals in 15 appearances for Leeds since moving to Elland Road on an original one-month deal in October.

"If he has to go back we will thank him for what he has done because he is a joy to work with," said the Leeds boss.

"You never know what's round the corner.

"He is a good lad, enthusiastic and always has a smile on his face. He's a good footballer and has brought a lot to this club.

"When he has started games he has scored goals and set them up and when he comes off the bench he is always lively.

"The crowd have taken to him from day one and he is probably the only player I've signed who, after seeing him for just 10 minutes, everyone wanted me to sign up full-time.

"That's just Max for you. Whatever happens with him hopefully he'll have a very successful career."