Beattie back in the big time at seaside

FORMER Sheffield United striker James Beattie made a return to the Premier League last night after joining Blackpool on loan.

Beattie – who was last in the top-flight with Stoke City – has endured a frustrating time at Ibrox since moving from the Britannia Stadium in August, making just 10 appearances.

Beattie was hampered by a hip injury early in his Ibrox career before struggling to force his way into the team.

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And his chances of doing so were further diminished by the loan signing of Northern Ireland striker David Healy on Sunday.

Blackpool earlier signed midfielder Andy Reid from Barclays Premier League rivals Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made 70 appearances for the Black Cats since his £4m switch from Charlton in January 2008.

However, he became surplus to requirements under Steve Bruce and followed Paulo da Silva and Healy out of the Stadium of Light.

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“I think he will be perfect for us and it won’t take me long to get him going,” manager Ian Holloway said.

“He’s gone for £12m (in cumulative transfer fees) in the past so that’s not a bad take for us I believe.”

Villa completed the loan signing of United States midfielder Michael Bradley for the remainder of the season.

Bradley has made the temporary switch from Borussia Moenchengladbach after impressing Villa boss Gerard Houllier during last summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

Down in the Championship, Paul Konchesky will try to put his Liverpool nightmare well and truly behind him after completing a loan move to Nottingham Forest.