Gardner supported Birmingham when he was growing up

Birmingham have signed midfielder Craig Gardner from Aston Villa for £3m, on a four-and-a-half year contract.

Gardner, 23, will not be able to make his debut in Birmingham's trip to Chelsea on Wednesday however, as the deal was not finalised in time.

"I'm over the moon, especially being at the club I supported as a boy," Gardner told Birmingham's website.

"I have not slept properly for the last three or four days waiting for the deal to be done."

Gardner is Birmingham boss Alex McLeish's second signing of the current transfer window, following the capture of former Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.

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After coming through the youth ranks, Gardner made his Villa debut in 2005 and the former England Under-21 international went on to make 79 appearances, scoring six times.

This season, however, Gardner has found his first-team opportunities limited at Villa Park, only making three appearances, one of which was in the Premier League.

"I just can't wait to get out there, put the shirt on and do well for the club," said Gardner, who will wear shirt number 33 for Birmingham.

"Now it's done it's unbelievable."

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