Chelsea defender Bertrand seals Villa loan

Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand has joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

Bertrand has made only three appearances for the London club this season as Jose Mourinho has opted to play Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back.

The Spaniard’s form has kept Ashley Cole out of the side and pushed Bertrand further down the pecking order, so Villa boss Paul Lambert has offered the 24-year-old the opportunity to play first-team football.

Bertrand has two England caps to his name and also represented Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012.

He also started Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich and is relishing the prospect of enhancing his reputation at Villa.

Bertrand commented: “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.

“Whenever I’ve played for Chelsea here at Villa Park the fans have been fantastic and have always created a great atmosphere.

“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.”

Villa boss Paul Lambert added: “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.

“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.”