Villa left-back Sousa joins Rovers on loan

Lino Sousa made eight appearances in the Championship on loan at Plymouth Argyle last season

Aston Villa left-back Lino Sousa has joined Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old joined Villa in February and spent the second half of last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

He made eight appearances for the Pilgrims in the Championship, having begun his career in the Arsenal academy.

Sousa becomes the 14th summer signing for the Gas, and the fourth on loan.

"I feel like this is a really good platform to showcase myself and help the club achieve its aims for the season," he told the club's website.

"I'm just grateful to the manager and the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity."

Rovers began their League One season by beating Northampton on Saturday before losing to Cardiff in the Carabao Cup first round on Tuesday.