LIONEL Ainsworth has today (Thursday) joined Watford on loan with a view to making the move permanent in January.

The impressive Hereford United winger has already netted eight times so far this season, scoring two hat-tricks and the solitary goal that knocked Leeds United out of the FA Cup this week.

Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga will remain at Edgar Street on loan until the end of the season with an option for Toumani to make his stay permanent in May.

Ainsworth, who developed as a player through Derby County's academy, signed his first contract on 4 August 2005. He made his debut for the first team on 25 February 2006 against Plymouth Argyle.

He then joined Bournemouth on loan for the 2006-07 season before returning to Derby County in January 2007 and then spent a month on loan at Halifax Town, where he scored on his debut against York City on January 23, 2007.

On 22 February 2007, he joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan until the end of the season, where he made seven appearances, before being recalled one game early. Ainsworth was released by Derby at the end of the season, and after impressing in pre-season friendlies he signed for Hereford United on 31 July 2007.

Only eleven days later Ainsworth struck a first half hat-trick in a 4-1 League Cup First Round win over League One side Yeovil Town.

Ainsworth has also represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level.

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