Gary Gardner: Nottingham Forest sign Aston Villa midfielder on loan

Gary Gardner is the second loan signing made by Forest this month

Nottingham Forest have signed midfielder Gary Gardner on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

Gardner is the second loan signing made by Forest after the arrival of right-back Todd Kane from Chelsea.

The 22-year-old has just returned from a loan spell at Brighton, scoring twice in 20 appearances, having made only five starts for Villa.

He said: "I can't wait to get going and help in their pursuit of promotion."

Forest have not won any of their last seven games in all competitions, losing four, and are nine points adrift of the Championship play-offs in 11th.

Manager Stuart Pearce said: "We are delighted Gary has agreed to join us until the end of the season. His ability and character will be essential between now and the end of the season."

Pearce gave Gardner five caps for England Under-21s during his time in charge.