Aston Villa tie up loan deal for Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand

Ryan Bertrand (R)

Aston Villa have bolstered their squad with the signing of Chelsea defenderRyan Bertrand on loan until the end of the season. Bertrand, who had been linked with a move to Liverpool, has made just one league start for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho and has fallen behind Cesar Azpilicueta in the fight with Ashley Cole for the Blues’ left back berth.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert told the club’s official website that he is looking forward to working with Bertrand, who he says will add big game experience to his side. Bertrand has made 56 appearances for Chelsea since his 2005 move from Gillingham, 28 of which have come in the Premier League.

“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,” Lambert said.

“The way he plays the game and as a person, too, he’ll fit in here great and it will be good for him also to be playing games. He has real enthusiasm for the game and he’s looking forward to playing here.

“We’re grateful to Chelsea for allowing him to come here on loan and we know he’ll be really good to work with.”

Bertrand was also pleased to secure the deal, telling the club’s website that the move gives him a “fantastic opportunity.”

He added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to come here. Aston Villa is a fantastic club with a massive fanbase and a great history. To get this chance to come here and play some games will be a really good step for me.”