Plymouth Argyle sign midfielder Benarous

Plymouth Argyle have signed free-agent midfielder Ayman Benarous on a one-year contract.

The 21-year-old Englishman had been on trial at Home Park over the summer after being released by Bristol City following an injury-plagued few seasons.

Having come through the Robins' academy, Benarous made 12 appearances for the Championship side but has not played in more than two years after a number of serious knee injuries.

But he has now returned to full fitness and bolsters an Argyle midfield shorn of the likes of Jordan Houghton and Adam Randell in recent weeks.

"Ayman is a young player with brilliant potential and has impressed us all since he came in to train with the squad," head coach Tom Cleverley told the club website. , external

"He was highly thought of at Bristol City but unfortunately had bad luck with injuries. He's shown everyone here during the last week the talent he has at his disposal.

"We are really pleased he has agreed to join us as he had a number of options to choose from but felt Argyle was the best place for the next step in his career."