Conor Hourihane: Barnsley sign Plymouth Argyle midfielder

Hourihane has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 level

League One side Barnsley have signed Plymouth Argyle captain Conor Hourihane for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract.

The 23-year-old former Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder made 142 appearances for League Two Argyle, after joining from Ipswich in 2011.

Hourihane came through Sunderland's ranks and scored 10 goals last term.

He is Barnsley's third summer signing, following the arrivals of striker Kane Hemmings and goalkeeper Adam Davies.

"I really loved my time at Plymouth, but when something like this comes up you can't turn it down," Hourihane told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"Barnsley were really keen on signing me, and putting that kind of faith in me that was a real confidence boost for me.

"I didn't want to leave a good club like Plymouth just to play in League One, I wanted to come to a club that have ambitions to go places. I want to be here and achieve things, and promotion is the main aim."

A Plymouth statement added: "We rejected two previous approaches from Barnsley before they came forward with an offer that represented a considerable improvement on their previous bids and one which we could accept, albeit with some reluctance.

"Our decision was made on the basis that Conor only had 12 months remaining on his contract and he was unwilling to sign an extension. Given his age, that would have enabled him to leave the club without compensation in a year's time."