Former Chester FC defender Ben Heneghan says that he is looking forward to the physicality of Scottish football after signing with Motherwell on Thursday.
Central defender Heneghan, 22, signed for the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership side following weeks of speculation about where his future might lie after rejecting a new deal with the Blues.
Heneghan will link up with former Celtic and Middlesbrough defender Steven McManus in the back line at Fir Park and has been given assurances by manager Mark McGhee that he will get the chance to shine with the Steelmen.
“I’m expecting it to be a bit more physical, which is good for me because I like that side of the game, and I think it’s going to be a big test, because it’s a massive step-up for me," Heneghan told the Daily Record.
"Football’s getting a bit softer as time goes on, but it’s a bit more physical up here, so I’m looking forward to it.
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"Playing alongside people like Stephen McManus was a massive factor as well, because I’m going to learn so much from him, I’m looking forward to that, and to gaining experience, because he’s a good player and an experienced pro.
"I think I want to go somewhere and actually play, rather than be part of the squad. I want to play the game and learn as much as I can.
“I’m not guaranteed to play here, by any means, but I just feel like I have a better chance to prove myself here.
"Having had a talk with the manager, he has reassured me that I have got a good chance.
"Obviously I have to prove myself in the pre-season, but I look forward to the challenge."
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Heneghan, who signed for Chester in August 2014 from Stoke City following a successful trial spell, played 92 games and scored seven times for the Blues, with his most memorable moment coming when he netted a last-minute winner to hand Chester a 2-1 home win over Wrexham in September 2014.
Heneghan had been the jewel in Chester's crown and was tipped for a move to the Football League, a move that would have seen the Blues receive compensation for the defender due to him being under the age of 24.
But his switch to Motherwell means Chester could miss out on compensation due to a cross-border Fifa rule which state a player can move freely from one association to another if not offered a new contract at least 60 days before the expiry of their current deal.
Chester are believed to have missed that window by a matter of days but could try and seek compensation due to his rise to prominence with the club.
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But Heneghan revealed that he had been made aware of possible interest from the Scottish side as early as January, with the Fir Park side making their intentions known to the player at the end of the season.
He said:“I’m very happy to finally get it sorted, it has been a bit stressful waiting around, but I’m happy to be here now.
“I heard a few rumours in January that things were sparking up, but obviously at the time I was still under contract, so it was keeping my head down and concentrating on football.
"Once the summer came it was more and more certain that the club was really interested, they put an offer my way, and I’m here now."
