Young Rams striker goes out on loan

Last updated : 28 July 2006 By Rams Mad Editor

Lionel playing for England U18
Billy Davies has decided to let young Rams striker Lionel Ainsworth go out on what maybe a season long loan to Bournemouth.

Davies prefers his players to be playing competitive football rather than the friendly games which the Rams now arrange instead of the Reserve league fixtures which were stopped under the last directorship of the club.

Ainsworth, born in Nottingham is just 18 years of age and was voted Academy player of the year in 2005, after finishing top scorer. He also made two first team substitute appearances for the first team last season before dislocating his shoulder, the injury finishing his chances of a regular first team spot, with the Rams desperate for strikers.

Lionel will play tomorrow for Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly against Premiership Portsmouth. His future loan deal will rest on his performance and if favourable he will sign for the rest of this season. That doesn't mean he is now out of the reckoning at Pride Park and you can be sure a very close eye will be kept on his progress at league level.

Meanwhile the transfer deal to bring Arsenal midfield Youngster Ryan Smith looks to be coming to a conclusion, with a fee agreed and only personal terms to be settled. He is expected at Pride Park on Monday to complete formalities.