Jason Ainsley has added further depth to his defensive options with the permanent signing of former Blackburn Rovers and Scunthorpe United defender Lewis Thompson.

A full-back by trade, the versatile former Northern Ireland Under-21 international can play a number of positions across defence and even further up the left flank.

The 23-year-old spent time in Manchester United’s Academy during his younger days before moving on to Blackburn in 2016 where he quickly began to impress for their Under-18s side.

His performances earned him a first professional contract at Ewood Park in March 2018, whilst he gained senior experience during a three-month loan stay at FC United of Manchester.

Thompson left Blackburn at the end of the 2020/21 campaign and joined Scunthorpe that summer where he went on to make 17 appearances for The Iron before injury ended his season prematurely.

“Lewis has got a great pedigree having been at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers,” said Ainsley.

“He has also played in the Football League for Scunthorpe, so we’re delighted to be able to bring him on board at the Club.

“I got the nod from Halifax about him. The gaffer there rang me and said they weren’t able to offer him anything because they had a big squad already, so we swooped in straight away.”

Thompson will now go into contention to make his Moors debut when the team return to National League North action at Brackley Town next weekend.