Derby County sign Darren Bent on loan

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has joined Derby County on loan until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has recently returned to Villa Park following a one-month loan stay at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he scored two goals in four matches.

Bent has not remained at his parent club for long, however, with Derby bringing the England striker back to the Championship until the end of the campaign.

SIGNING: #DCFC have signed striker @DarrenBent on loan from @premierleague side @AVFCOfficial: http://t.co/IjVaYaf35F pic.twitter.com/jckBWO4Lsb

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 2, 2015

Head coach Steve McClaren told the club's official website: "We are delighted to welcome Darren Bent to Derby County for the rest of the season. I've worked with him in the past and he brings significant Premier League and international experience with him.

"He adds to our already excellent attacking options. Darren has scored goals wherever he has been during his career and we believe he can contribute on the field for us.

"We're braced for an exciting second half of the season, which is always an important stage in any campaign, and we're got plenty of big matches coming up for everyone to look forward to – and Darren certainly brings big game experience with him."

Bent, who has also represented the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland during a well-travelled career, has netted four times in 13 games for his country.