Out of favour Aston Villa left-back Nicky Shorey has joined Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of December.

The 28-year-old will link up with his new team-mates on Thursday and looks set to make his debut in Forest's game against Doncaster at the City Ground on Saturday.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has the option to recall Shorey, who has failed to make an impact at Villa Park following his £5million switch from Reading in 2008, but only 28 days after the loan begins.

Shorey will look to regain matach fitness with Billy Davies' young side having lost his place in Villa's starting XI to summer recruit Stephen Warnock this season, with his last outing coming back in August.