Nottingham Forest have completed the £3million signing of Aston Villa defender Riccardo Scimeca.

The former England Under-21 skipper has signed a four-year contract to become David Platt's first buy as Forest boss. Scimeca said: ``I may have dropped down a division but David Platt has impressed me greatly with his ambition.

I am looking forward to being a part of Forest's future.'' Platt said: ``Riccardo is a player I hold in high regard and I am delighted to have secured his services.''

Scimeca completed his Forest switch on Tursday morning before driving to Bournemouth to link up with his new team-mates who are on a tour of the south coast. He is likely to make his debut against Brighton on Saturday, a game which could also see boss Platt make his return to action.

The former England star retired 12 months ago after helping Arsenal win the Double.