Middlesbrough seal Osbourne loan

Middlesbrough have signed Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne on a two-month loan.

Osbourne, 22, has Premier League and Championship experience, and is looking forward to showing his quality at that level in the Boro side.

"I played for [Nottingham] Forest in the Championship last season so I know a little bit about what it's about," the Birmingham-born player said.

"I know it's a lot quicker than the Premiership, that's for sure."

Osbourne has made 29 appearances for Villa having made his first-team debut against Fulham three years ago.

And after slipping down the pecking order at Villa Park following the performances of Stiliyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell, Osbourne revealed the move had been recommended to him by the management at his parent club.

"I've known about Isaiah for about a year and he'll bring us more strength in the midfield area where we're definitely short on numbers"

"Before coming here, I first spoke to Martin O'Neill and Stilyan Petrov about the gaffer and they both spoke highly of him.

"I'm here for two months and right now I'm looking no further than that but hopefully I will play a few games and can help the team."

Boro boss Gordon Strachan is a keen admirer of Osbourne and believes the player offers the steel his side has been lacking.

"I've known about Isaiah for about a year and he'll bring us more strength in the midfield area where we're definitely short on numbers," he said.

"He's not a flair player, he's what I'd call a continuity player, but he'll also give us strength, height and get about the pitch."

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