'Excellent footballer' Hodge boosts Motherwell's midfield options

[Getty Images] Manager Alfred Johansson says Motherwell play in a style that will allow "excellent footballer" Joe Hodge to "flourish and develop further" after the Republic of Ireland midfielder signed for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese side FC Tondela. The 23-year-old has penned a two-year deal, with the Fir Park club holding the option of a further year, and becomes the side's eighth summer signing. Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, the former Wolves player featured in 26 games in Portugal's top flight last term as Tondela suffered relegation to the second tier. A product of Manchester City's youth academy, he played 13 times for Wolves, six of which came in the Premier League, and had loans at Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield before his move to Portugal. "Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad," Motherwell boss Johansson said of his new recruit, who made his international debut in June. "He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man." Hodge, who provides a much-needed option in the Motherwell midfield following the departures of Callum Slattery and Elliot Watt, added: "Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I've been itching to get involved. "There are a lot of new faces this season, but the cohesion amongst the players is clear with the great results so far this season. "As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me."