Owls win race for Gary Gardner loan

Wednesday have won the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on an emergency loan deal.

The 22-year-old picked a move to Hillsborough above a host of other possible destinations and will help the Wednesday cause until Wednesday, March 12.

Owls boss Stuart Gray has been searching the market for additions to bolster his squad as he looks to continue moving Wednesday up the Championship table and away from relegation danger.

And Gardner, who came up through the Villa youth ranks, will add some Premier League experience to the ranks. Since breaking into Villa’s first team the midfielder, who can also chip in with his fair share of goals, has made 18 appearances and also enjoyed a loan spell with Coventry City.

Sheffield United were also reported to be in the race for his services but Gardner will pull on the blue and white and could make his debut in Wednesday’s FA Cup Fifth Round clash against Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough.