Plymouth Argyle have confirmed the signing of Motherwell winger Lionel Ainsworth.
The 29-year-old spent four years at the Scottish Premiership side after joining initially on loan from Rotherham United for a season before making the move permanent in 2014.
Ainsworth has joined the Pilgrims on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract in Scotland.
It is the first signing that Derek Adams’ Plymouth side have made since being promoted to League One; returning to the league for the first time since the 2010/11 campaign.
Ainsworth has been regarded as quite a journeyman in his career so far, with Plymouth becoming the 14th club that he has played for since making his professional debut for Derby County in 2006; coincidentally against Plymouth.
The former Huddersfield player has featured in two Europa League qualifying matches for the Steelmen in 2014, in the second round of qualifying against Icelandic side Stajaman. Ainsworth scored in the second leg but the Scottish side lost 5-4 on that occasion.
In his younger years, he represented England at Under 16, 17, 18 and 19 levels, between 2003 and 2006; making five caps in total.
Despite gaining promotion to League One this season, Argyle released nine players from their squad, including winger Ryan Donaldson, which has freed up room in the squad for Ainsworth.
In his final season in Scotland, Ainsworth scored four goals in 35 appearances, with one of those coming against eventual treble winners Celtic.
He ended his Motherwell career on 138 appearances for the club, scoring 27 times and providing 29 assists.
