Robbie Keane has completed his loan move to Aston Villa from LA Galaxy and will remain with the Premier League side until February 25th.
LA Galaxy striker makes Premier League return
Robbie Keane has completed his loan move to Aston Villa from LA Galaxy and will remain with the Premier League side until February 25th.
The Republic of Ireland international's move, which is subject to FIFA clearance, sees him make a swift return to the English top-flight following his summer switch across the Atlantic from Tottenham.
With the MLS season having drawn to a close at the end of last year and not restarting until March, Keane is eager to maintain his form and fitness ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 tournament.
The 31-year-old former Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan, Leeds and Liverpool player will bring extra firepower to Alex McLeish's squad with the Midlands club among the lowest scorers in the Premier League.
Villa received the final paperwork from the Galaxy giving the green light to the move during the early hours of Thursday morning.
Keane could face an instant reunion with his Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan in Saturday's home Premier League clash with Everton, with the USA international back for a second spell at Goodison Park.
Excited
The striker told Villa's
official website: "I'm delighted to be back in the Premier League. This is only short term, of course, but there has been a lot of speculation over the years linking my name to Villa and, finally, I'm here.
"I'm excited about it and I know I'll really enjoy my time here. It's only for two months but I will do my absolute best in these two months.
"Villa is a great club, a club with a massive tradition and standing in the game and Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums I've ever played in.
"If selected to play on Saturday, I will genuinely be looking forward to it and I'll be excited to be involved again in Premier League action.
"I've been training with the players here for the past few days and it's been great but I'm not naive enough to think I'll just walk straight into the team.
"If I can help and contribute to the overall effort of the team then hopefully I will be of benefit to Aston Villa. That's my aim."
Clever move
Villa's record signing Darren Bent, who played alongside Keane at Tottenham, said: "It's a top signing, a really clever move.
"In training Robbie has looked razor-sharp and up for the challenge. He's a great player and he has been for many years.
"There is no doubt he will give absolutely everything during his time here. He knows the game inside out and, from what I have seen of him so far, he's bright as a button.
"He will help all the other strikers here but, more importantly, he will help Villa.
"He will bring experience which will aid a few of the younger lads who are breaking through into the team and the other youngsters in and around the place."
