Aston Villa's Gary Gardner rejoins Nottingham Forest on loan

Nottingham Forest has pulled off quite the coup with the return of midfielder Gary Gardner on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

Gardner has long been regarded as one of the finest products to come from Villa's academy, but now 23, he still hasn't been deemed an important part of the squad in B6 - despite his parent club languishing in 20th in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of safety.

Forest is more than happy to snap up the youngster once again following his impressive performances over 16 Championship matches on loan last term.

Dougie Freedman's side welcomes Queens Park Rangers to the City Ground in Saturday's FA Cup third-round action.