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CONFIRMED: Grant Holt reunites with Paul Lambert after sealing Aston Villa loan deal
ASTON VILLA have brought in Wigan striker Grant Holt on loan until the end of the season, the club have confirmed.
The 32-year-old, who previously worked under Paul Lambert at Norwich, will join a side that have mustered a meagre four goals from their last seven games.
Although Villa have Christian Benteke, Andi Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor in their ranks, Holt has been brought in as a stop gap for the injured Czech striker Libor Kozak.
Lambert believes Holt will relish playing in the top flight once again and has backed him to make an impact.
"Losing Libor was a blow to us, obviously. When I knew Grant had become available it was something I wanted to pursue quickly because he'll add strength and experience to what is still a young squad overall. Having worked with him for three years at Norwich, I know what he can do and that's important," the Villa manager said.
"Coming back into the Premier League will rekindle that desire in him to succeed again at this level and, if he can replicate what he did in those three years at Norwich over these next few months here at Villa, then he'll make an impact, that's for sure.
"Grant's got some really strong attributes, he's someone who is tried and trusted and a player I've worked with before.
"We're looking at one or two other positions as well but this is good business for us and he'll be a really strong influence."
Holt had an impressive record at Norwich, scored 53 goals in 92 games as the Canaries earned back-to-back promotions from League One and he hit 17 goals during his debut season in the Premier League in 2011/12.