Aston Villa have signed Chelsea left back Ryan Bertrand on loan until the end of the season. Capped twice by England, 24-year-old Bertrand has been out of favour under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge this season. He is behind Cesar Azpilicueta and Ashley Cole in the Blues pecking order. Bertrand embarks upon his sixth different loan spell from Chelsea following temporary stints at Bournemouth, Oldham, Norwich, Reading and Nottingham Forest. He was a regular last term under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez, making 38 Blues appearances in all competitions, but since Mourinho returned he has played just three games. Villa boss Paul Lambert told the club's official website:
"Ryan brings a lot of big-game experience, not only in the Barclays Premier League but even a Champions League final which Chelsea won, so he'll be really good for us."
Bertrand added:
"I've had to adjust many times in my career having played under several managers, so I know I can settle in here quickly and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to the team. "We have a lot of young, talented players here with some experienced heads as well, they want to express themselves and I hope I can add to that and add my experience in a productive way."
Lambert's left back options have been limited because Joe Bennett has been missing since November with a back injury. Summer signing Antonio Luna meanwhile has struggled to replicate his Spain Under-21 form at Villa Park. On occasion Nathan Baker or Ciaran Clark have deputized in this berth.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
