Gary Gardner: Aston Villa midfielder joins Brighton on loan

Gardner has represented England at every level from Under-17 to Under-21

Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on loan until 1 January 2015.

The 22-year-old midfielder has made a total of 18 appearances for the Premier League club.

"He will give us another quality option in the middle of the park," Seagulls boss Sami Hyypia told the club website.

"Given the considerable demands of the Championship, I want to be able to rotate the squad."

Gardner had a loan spell at Coventry City at the start of the 2011-12 campaign and made his debut for Villa in December 2011.

He spent time at Sheffield Wednesday last season, featuring on four occasions.

"Gary has had a tough couple of seasons due to injury, but he showed during a spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season that he is over those problems," Hyypia added.

"He is the type of midfielder who is active and mobile, but very importantly he has real quality on the ball.

"We hope this loan spell will benefit everyone: Gary, us and Aston Villa."

Gardner is eligible to play in the League Cup during his time at the Amex Stadium and could make his debut against Swindon Town on Tuesday evening.