Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is joining fierce rivals Birmingham City on loan.

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Barnsley and this will be his seventh temporary move away from Villa Park.

The former England Under-21 international will team up with his elder brother Craig, himself a former graduate from Villa's academy.

Gary Gardner plays for Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly against Burton Albion

Gardner made his Villa debut in 2011 but has made just 46 appearances for the club since, including 16 in the Premier League.

As well as Barnsley, he has also been sent to Nottingham Forest (twice), Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry.

Gardner has two years on his deal at Villa Park left to run.