Aston Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran has joined the club on a month's loan.

The 20-year-old met his new team-mates for the first time on Thursday morning at Thorp Arch.

The twice-capped Republic of Ireland international featured in pre-season for Villa in 2006/07, but his senior experience has come from loan spells with Wycombe and Southampton.

He had an 11-game spell at Wycombe last season and played one game for Southampton in the Championship last month.

The youngster has represented his country at youth levels and featured in senior games against Ecuador and Bolivia in 2007.

Stephen is known to United assistant manager Steve Staunton, who was the boss of the Republic of Ireland.

Stephen's loan deal lasts until March 29.