Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand joins Aston Villa on loan

Ryan Bertrand has joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

The Chelsea left back, who boasts two England caps, has started only one Premier League game this season under Jose Mourinho, together with two Capital One Cup ties, having been hampered by injury.

However, with César Azpilicueta excelling at left-back and competing with Ashley Cole for a first-team place, the 24-year-old became available and was keen to secure first-team football.

Bertrand, who famously played in Chelsea's 2012 Champions League final-winning side, said: '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.

'I'm focused on continuing to progress and helping the team here to do that too.

'We have a lot of young, talented players here with some experienced heads as well, they want to express themselves and I hope I can add to that and add my experience in a productive way.

'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.

And Chelsea boss Mourinho added: 'Ryan is to go on loan for the rest of the season. We felt and he agrees totally that he needs to play.'

Bertrand is Villa's second loan signing of the week after Grant Holt, who joined from Wigan on Tuesday.