Forest land Villa midfielder Osbourne

NOTTINGHAM Forest have signed Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne on loan.

And there could be more signings on the horizon, ahead of the visit of Preston North End to the City Ground tomorrow night.

The 21-year-old Osbourne has made only a handful of starts for Villa, but has featured regularly in their Uefa Cup campaign this season.

He is a defensive, holding midfield player and, with Guy Moussi still regaining full match fitness following his return from an ankle injury, he could be drafted straight into the starting line-up tomorrow.

Davies says Osbourne will provide a much needed battle for places in midfield.

And he hopes to make further additions by the end of the day, with a striker still topping the manager's shopping list.

"I am delighted to have signed the player, we are very thankful that Martin O'Neill and Aston Villa have allowed us to have him until the end of the season," said Davies.

"He will add some valuable competition in the centre of midfield.

"It is all about bringing more competition for places, not just in the midfield area, but all over the pitch, which will allow us to give one or two people a rest.

"He is a very athletic, energetic, modern midfield player.

"He can go box to box and he will be a big help to us in there, between now and the end of the season.

"He will also allow us to rest other players from time to time and make sure they will be fresher than they might have been otherwise.

"Hopefully he is one of a few players who will come in over the next week or so, who will allow us to change things a little.

"We have made approaches for a striker.

"We are moving in the right direction, but nothing is concluded yet."