Liverpool defender Vignal goes on loan

French defender Gregory Vignal has been loaned by Liverpool to Bastia until season's end, the French first division side announced…

French defender Gregory Vignal has been loaned by Liverpool to Bastia until season's end, the French first division side announced today.

Vignal (21) has lined out 25 times for Liverpool - but only four times this season, since arriving from French side Montpellier in September 2000 for £500,000 sterling.

He faced stiff competition for Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise for a first-team place. Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes that the move will allow the player to progress.

Bastia officials added that if the release letter from arrives by midnight tomorrow, Vignal will feature against league rivals Lyon midweek