LIAM DONNELLY has left Hartlepool United to sign for Motherwell.

The defender was offered a new deal to stay at Victoria Park, but has moved to the Scottish Premier League where he joins two former Pools players – Trevor Carson and Peter Hartley – at Fir Park.

The Northern Irishman, skipper of his country’s under-21 side, will hope to follow Carson in earning full international honours for Ireland after leaving Pools.

He was hoping to be involved in their end of season tour to South America, but was omitted from the squad.

Motherwell have said he has moved for an undisclosed fee.

Manager Steven Robinson said: “Liam was a target of ours from when we started our summer recruitment, so we’re delighted to have landed him.

“I’ve worked before with Liam at youth international level with Northern Ireland, so I’ve first hand experience of what we’re getting. He will fit in well here and further strenghten our central defensive options.”

Donnelly, a penalty taker for Pools last season, made 62 appearances for Pools, scoring three times including on the final day of the season at Tranmere.