Omar Beckles started for Gillingham just a day after his signing was officially announced and is set to play a key role going forward.
Beckles helped Leyton Orient to the League 2 title and his new manager believes the 34-year-old centre-half has got another promotion in him.
Ainsworth said: “I think people can see he’s going to definitely make us more solid.
“He’s played a lot of games for Leyton Orient this season and he said to me he’s ready. He said he’s been in worse condition than this and still played.
“He’s missed probably a week of training. It’s now get him on my recovery now for Saturday because he’s going to add to us. I think the fans warmed to him straight away. He’s going to be a big plus for us.
“Omar will gel this team. He’s a fantastic character. He really is. People don’t know Omar as a person. They just see the footballer. What a guy.
“I think we’re very lucky to have him at Gillingham. He’s going to make a big impact here.
“He’s a seasoned professional with promotions out of this league. I think he’s going to get another one.”
Beckles partnered Watford loanee Travis Akomeah in defence at Notts County – the pair replacing injured Conor Masterson and summer signing Andy Smith, who was left out completely.
Masterson came off with a calf injury last Saturday. He’d only played four games after a previous injury that had kept him sidelined for four months.
“We’ll have to assess that. There’s no news yet on that one,” said Ainsworth, speaking after the loss at Notts County in the week.
Beckles and striker Hale both started while Cameron Antwi was an unused substitute.
“We’re really pleased with those signings,” said the Gills manager.
“[Tuesday’s result was] disappointing but it’s also quietly satisfactory because I know that we’re building. I know we’re better than we were. I can see where we’re going to go.”
The Gills didn’t have anyone leave on Monday meaning the likes of Shad Ogie, Jonny Williams and Marcus Wyllie dropping down the pecking order. Lenni Cirino and Euan Williams haven’t had much football, either. That leaves Ainsworth with a squad of 27.
“It’s a bit too big for me,” the manager admitted. “We will be trimming it down at some stage.
“We have a big concertina of games coming up towards the end of the season. Maybe we’re going to need them all.
“But at the moment, it’s all about these boys and getting their heads up, getting them physically recovered, and making sure that on Saturday we turn out really well against Tranmere.”
