Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner joins Nottingham Forest on loan

Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old spent the early part of the campaign on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he made 20 appearances.

Gardner penned his first professional deal with Villa in 2011, but he has struggled for first-team action in recent times.

He could make his debut for Forest later today when they host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.