Darren Bent: Brighton sign Aston Villa striker on loan

Darren Bent came off the bench during Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Southampton on Monday night.

Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Aston Villa striker Darren Bent on a one-month loan deal.

The 30-year-old has made eight appearances for the Premier League club this season, seven as a substitute.

Bent was capped 13 times by England and Brighton boss Sami Hyypia said: "I hope he will score plenty of goals for us during his time with us."

Meanwhile, Villa have recalled teenage striker Callum Robinson from his loan spell at Preston North End.

After a fruitless first month at Deepdale, 19-year-old Robinson has scored five goals in five games, including a hat-trick in their FA Cup first-round tie at Havant & Waterlooville.

Bent, who has scored 25 goals in 72 appearances since moving to Villa Park in January 2011, spent last season on loan at Fulham.

In total, he has scored 184 goals in 464 career appearances, as well as netting four times for the national team.

"His record speaks for itself. He is a top-class striker with more than 100 Premier League goals with Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa," manager Hyypia told the club website.

"Three years ago he was a regular in the England squad under Fabio Capello; there is no doubting his ability to score goals.

"He also wants to play regular games and that is evident in his willingness to step down from the Premier League to the Championship."

Bent, who will remain at the Amex Stadium until 29 December, could make his debut for Brighton against Fulham on Saturday.