Birmingham have confirmed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on a season-long loan.

[ad_pod ]

Gary joins brother Craig at St Andrew's as Garry Monk aims to guide the Blues to a much better season than last year.

Is Gardner a good loan acquisition for the Blues?

We discuss....

George Dagless

It adds another option to their squad and they needed it.

Birmingham need to use the loan market wisely now, though, if they're to have a decent season.

Obviously, FFP had a part to play but now they need to try and get players that know the league in.

Jay Taylor

This is a decent signing.

Birmingham needed strengthening regardless and in Gardner, they have a midfielder who will give his all.

He joins with his brother Craig at the club, which I'm sure will help his loan be a positive experience.

It is not the most striking of loan signings but he did relatively well in a relegated Barnsley side last term and should do well for Garry Monk and Birmingham this season.

Gary Hutchinson

Absolutely.

Gardner hasn't really been given a chance at Villa yet he's proven his quality in numerous loan spells.

He's a Birmingham boy, hence remaining in the city and it will be interesting to see how he links up with his brother.

Good business this, Villa have missed a trick in my opinion.

Jay Williams

It feels very strange writing about someone moving from Aston Villa to Birmingham - especially on loan.

But this could be a good season for Gardner, who is likely to get chances in midfield with David Davis out injured.

The 26-year-old reunites with his brother (Craig Gardner), does not have to relocate and offers lots of running in midfield, which will be useful alongside the solid holding midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld.

If you put aside the rivalry between Aston Villa and Birmingham for now, this is a sensible move for the Blues - if Gardner can hit the heights expected of him.