Joe Chalmers: Motherwell sign former Celtic defender

Former Celtic left-back Joe Chalmers (left) had a loan spell with Falkirk

Motherwell have signed Scotland Under-21 defender Joe Chalmers on a two-year contract.

Chalmers, 21, was a free agent after being released by Celtic.

He made his Celtic debut at 18 against Inverness in 2012 under previous manager Neil Lennon, before a loan spell at Falkirk in 2013-14.

"He's a young player with fantastic potential who we've tracked for some time," manager Ian Baraclough told the Motherwell website

"He's versatile, mobile with a good range of passing and will add competition in numerous positions in defence.

"He's got a good pedigree having came through the academy and played for Celtic's first team and had significant youth international experience."

Chalmers is Motherwell's first new signing since they secured their Scottish Premiership status with a 6-1 aggregate win over Rangers in the play-offs.

The club have offered new contracts to Lionel Ainsworth, John Sutton and Lee Erwin.

"I've been in a few times and trained with the lads and it's a really good group," said Chalmers.

"The manager has also been excellent with me and was a huge reason why I wanted to come and play here."