Anthony Gerrard is the cousin of England and Liverpool star Steven

Cardiff City defender Anthony Gerrard has joined Championship rivals Hull City on a season-long loan deal.

The 24-year-old, who Cardiff signed from Walsall in the summer of 2009, had been linked to Sheffield Wednesday and even Premier League clubs.

Gerrard's Hull debut could be against the Bluebirds as the loan deal allows him to play against his parent club.

Cardiff are also permitted to play midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, on loan from Hull, in their meetings this term.

Gerrard, the cousin of England and Liverpool captain Steven, has dropped down Cardiff's defensive pecking order since helping Dave Jones' men reach last season's Championship play-off finals where they were defeated by Blackpool.

The performances of Darcy Blake, Gabor Gyepes and Mark Hudson has limited the centre-back to just Carling Cup appearances for Cardiff this season.

And former England under-21 defender Chris Riggott, who is a free agent after his release from Middlesbrough at the end of last season, is training with Cardiff with a view to a possible permanent deal.

Now Hull have completed Gerrard's loan deal in a move to bolster Tigers boss Nigel Pearson's defence who have conceded seven goals as Hull have only won one of their first four opening Championship games.

Hull's next game, coincidentally, is against the Bluebirds on 11 September at the Cardiff City Stadium so Gerrard is set to make his debut against his parent club.

A Cardiff statement said: "The agreement includes the ability for Anthony to play against us and for Seyi Olofinjana to play for Cardiff City against Hull City at Cardiff City Stadium at 3pm on Saturday, 11 September.

"The same rule applies for our away fixture in February. All at Cardiff City wish Anthony the best for the rest of the campaign."

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