LIONEL AINSWORTH did himself no harm at all by scoring with his first touch against Celtic.

But the winger insists he hopes it will impress Motherwell boss Mark McGhee rather than any potential suitors as he looks to land a new deal.

Only six months remain on the contract of the talented 29-year-old who has found form and regular starts hard to come by under the Well manager.

Ainsworth has managed three goals this term, but has earned the respect of the Fir Park support during his three years in Lanarkshire so far.

Getting crucial game time is important to the former Shrewsbury man, but he has reiterated his commitment to the Motherwell cause as he edges closer to negotiating a new deal.

“I’m in the shop window and I’m working hard to try and earn a new contract here," said Ainsworth. “If I don’t then I’m working hard to get a deal somewhere.

“Ultimately I want it to be at Motherwell because we’re settled and we’re happy. I’m working hard and that’s all I can do.

“It’s being noticed. Team-mates are saying to me that I’m doing really well and doing great to come in with a smile on my face.

“People like my positivity and that’s how I’ve got to be. There’s a lot more important things going on in the world than me not starting on a Saturday, but ultimately it’s my job and I want it.

“It’s really annoying but in football you need to be ready, and I will be.”

The impact made on Saturday was almost instant for Ainsworth as he slammed home a Stevie Hammell cross to put Motherwell back in front at 3-2.

It was a lead that would last just 15 seconds as Stuart Armstrong led the Celtic revival to a 4-3 win.

“I was glad to score the goal. It was only when I was celebrating that I realised it was my first touch," added the Well winger.

“I said to my fiancée before the game that I’d probably had my best week of training for a long while. It was the best week and I still wasn’t playing, so I know need to do that little bit more to put me in his sights.

“It’s alright coming off the bench but I’m 29, I want to be playing every week.

“I can bring crosses, opportunities, goals. I’m working hard, I’ve lost weight, I’m running more, and everything is going in the right direction. I’ve not gone the opposite way and sacked it off.

“My time will come. It’s got to before the end of the season if I keep hitting the back of the net as well as providing for people."

Ainsworth was still reeling at the way Motherwell somehow let two leads slip against the Premiership champions in Saturday's early kick off, and added: “Celtic will count their lucky stars that they won that game.

“There was a lack of concentration when we scored our third for them to get the equaliser. It was too soon, you have to be smarter than that.

“Louis Moult came in after the game and told us to look at the positives, but on the other hand you can’t lose.

“To score three goals at home against a very good side, who albeit weren’t at the top of their game, and not win is frustrating. It’s gutting."