Gary Gardner: Aston Villa man signs new three-year contract
Last updated on .From the section Football
Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has signed a new, extended three-year contract with the Premier League club.
The 23-year-old Solihull-born player, whose elder brother Craig plays for West Bromwich Albion, was on a two-year deal which was due to expire at the end of the 2015-16 season.
But, after sending him out on loan for much of last season, Villa have opted to give him an extended opportunity.
Gardner has not played for Villa since the final day of the 2012-13 season.
| Gardner's question time |
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| After making his debut as a late substitute in the 3-1 win at Chelsea in December 2011, Gary Gardner has gone on to make 18 appearances for Villa. |
| Including loan spells with Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and Nottingham Forest, he has made 44 starts in his career and 20 appearances as a substitute. |
But, on top of Championship loan spells last season at Brighton and Nottingham Forest, having been loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday the previous season, Gardner did enough to impress boss Tim Sherwood when he returned to the club at the end of the campaign.
Gardner, who is currently sidelined with injury, said: "I enjoyed my time on loan but now I'm determined to make an impact this season with Villa and show everyone what I'm capable of.
"I am delighted to extend my time with this great club. I am looking forward to working with the gaffer going forward and being someone he can turn to and do a job for the team."
Villa won at promoted Bournemouth on the opening day of the season, but then lost their second game 1-0 at home to Manchester United.
