‘A no-brainer’: Jill Scott joins Aston Villa on loan until end of season

• Midfielder has made over 200 appearances for Manchester City

• She will bring so much, says Villa manager Carla Ward

The Manchester City midfielder Jill Scott has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old, who has more than 150 caps for England, is expected to make her debut against Chelsea on Saturday and the Villa manager, Carla Ward, described the decision as a “no-brainer”.

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“When we heard of Jill’s availability it was a no-brainer,” she said. “To have the chance to acquire one of England’s most decorated footballers is a chance we couldn’t turn down.

“Jill will bring so much to this group, not only on the pitch but I see her having a huge impact off it, too. We have some hugely exciting young talents coming through, so for them to learn from someone of Jill’s stature will be massive.”

Scott, who has been with City since 2014, winning the WSL title in 2016, spent the second part of last season on loan at Everton. She becomes Villa’s second January signing following the arrival of Anna Patten from Arsenal.

Villa are ninth in the WSL after a late – and crucial – victory over Leicester at the weekend.