CARDIFF LOAN FOR GUNNERS YOUNGSTER

The 20-year-old made his Gunners first team debut in the Worthington Cup tie against Ipswich earlier in the season, but has been unable to displace the likes of Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljungberg in Arsene Wenger's side.

The versatile Chelmsford-born player, who can also operate in defence, has been given the opportunity to gain some regular first team experience at Ninian Park, although it is believed that Bluebirds manager Alan Cork has one eye on making the move permanent.

He will go straight into first team contention for the game with Exeter on New Years Day after Saturday's clash with Blackpool was postponed.

Cardiff are currently without Mark Bonner, who has just been ruled out for at least a month through injury, and Willie Boland has only just resumed training after a broken leg.

This is the second time that Cardiff have raided Highbury for young talent in two months, with Harper's loan following hot on the heels of Rhys Weston's November transfer.