Gary Gardner buggers off to Brighton

Gardener

Brighton & Hove Albion have snapped up Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on a long-term loan deal until 1st January 2015.

The 22-year-old had a speedy medical in Swindon hotel late last night, and signed this morning - and might feature in tonight's Capital One Cup match with Swindon Town.

Brighton boss Sami Hyypia said, "Gary is a quality midfielder who we have been aware of for some time. When we knew he was available, we wanted to bring him here as he will give us another quality option in the middle of the park.

"There are areas of the squad where we would like more options, and midfield was one of those areas. We have Dale Stephens out injured, but more importantly, given the considerable demands of the Championship, I want to be able to rotate the squad.

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

"He is the type of midfielder who is active and mobile, but very importantly he has real quality on the ball - and is also capable of producing things from set pieces."

Gary joins fellow Villa player Joe Bennett at the club.