Barnsley have bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner, the South Yorkshire-based club have announced on their official website.

The 25-year-old has fallen way down the pecking order at Villa Park following a glut of signings by boss Steve Bruce and in penning terms on a season-long loan deal it will allow the Gardner the chance to play some much needed football.

Having made over 100 appearances at Championship level the signing of Gardner could be seen as a coup to some and he will also add some depth to an area of the pitch that the Tykes have looked a little short in at times during the 2017/18 campaign so far.

Gardner last featured for the Villains in a 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic in the League Cup earlier this month but he will undoubtedly relish the chance to feature regularly in the Championship for the Tykes.

The Verdict

Gardner is an accomplished performer at Championship level and he will be keen to grasp this opportunity with both hands.

Earlier this summer it had looked as though Gardner could be set to sign for Nottingham Forest for the third time, although that move never came to fruition.

Gardner is at the age now where he would love the chance to settle at one club and that outfit could very well be Barnsley.

Barnsley fans, are you happy with this signing? Let us know in the comments below!!!