Ainsworth awaits his chance

Last July Lionel Ainsworth first featured as a trialist for Hereford United after being released by Derby. This July he will be hoping that his move to Watford late last year will bring more opportunities to show off his skills than he's had so far.

This look at Ainsworth comes from the Watford Fanzine and was written by Chris Armstrong.

Lionel Ainsworth:

The quick winger signed from Hereford United last season and despite some promising outing for the Hornets, has yet to stamp his name on the team sheet. Came to the club as part a loan deal that sent Theo Robinson in the opposite direction, Ainsworth has loads of trickery and pace at his disposal. Bagged two hatricks for his former side last year before arriving at Vicarage Road where he has spent most of his time making late cameo apperances. Figured in the 0-1 loss at home to Plymouth where he was hauled off at half-time despite impressing and started the home-leg of the playoff loss to Hull City, again displaying his impressive wing play. For whatever reason it is clear that Aidy Boothroyd wasn't totally convinced by Ainsworth's performances last year and this resulted in the England under 19's few first team appearances. Has been compared by many to the frustrating Anthony McNamee who had bundles of talent but could never perform when it mattered. In the eyes of many Watford fans though, Ainsworth is more of a complete article than McNamee was and believe that excitement is merely a bonus in his game.

On of the biggest question marks over Ainsworth is whether he can fulfil his defensive duties. At just under 6-foot in height and only 9 stone in weight, Ainsworth resembles McNamee in more ways than one. His ability to get stuck in during midfield tussles is still very much in doubt but hopefully this is an element of his game that will develop with regular football. What he lacks in defense however, he makes up for in his swift attacking. With a low sense of gravity, Ainsworth regularly beats his man and and has shown that he is capable of a decent delivery. One of the biggest obstacles for the youngster to overcome in the coming season is that of Tommy Smith and Jobi McAnuff. With both players firmly establishing their place in the Hornets' lineup, Ainsworth must impress in order to give Aidy Boothroyd some selection problems. With a new style of play promised, and one that would suit Ainsworth well, the Nottingham-born man may well play a big part next season. The manager included Ainsworth in a 4-5-1 starting lineup against Hull City at home. With Tommy Smith playing a more central role and Ainsworth bombing down the right wing, the youngster and the team looked impressive. Passing is something which almost certainly benefits his style of play. When given the ball he is likely to run at the opposition defender, something which every fan likes to see from a winger.

This is by no means a make or break season for Lionel Ainsworth but making some waves would go a long way to convincing Aidy Boothroyd that he should be a regular first team player.

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