Ryan Astles is confident he can make the step up to the National League and ready to seize his chance with Chester FC.
The 22-year-old signed on a non-contract basis earlier this month from Evo-Stik League First Division North side Northwich Victoria.
He made his first appearance in the midweek Cheshire Senior Cup win over Hyde United and is pushing for a start against Southport on Saturday (3pm).
Despite stepping up three levels, the defender believes he will prove he can handle the leap.
He said: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think that. The plan for me was to come here, do well and see where that takes me.
Read: Blues bring in Ryan Astles from Northwich Victoria
"It's a good challenge for me at Chester and I'm very happy to be here. They're good set of lads and they've made me feel very welcome so I want to do my best and see what happens.
"I'm always ready to step in if and when the gaffer wants me to."
Birkenhead-born Astles is no stranger to the Blues having been part of the Chester City school of excellence from the age of 10.
He left when the club went bust in 2010 and moved to Wigan Athletic before dropping into Welsh football with Buckley Town and Rhyl.
Astles switched to Northwich in the summer and was integral to the club's excellent campaign, which included a run to the FA Cup second round and sees them involved in the title race.
Although he left with a heavy heart, the centre-back said the move to Chester was too good to turn down.
"It was an easy and tough decision at the same time really," explained Astles.
"At Northwich we were doing well at the top of the league and we had a great run in the FA Cup but when Chester come along it was one of those where I couldn't turn it down because it was such a good opportunity.
"You see results from outside and you think maybe they're struggling a little bit but when I came here and saw the lads in training it was a surprise but it's a tough league and it's not easy to win games because everybody beats each other.
"It was good to get going on Tuesday night and obviously it was a good win as well. It was nice to get a game under my belt so hopefully I can push on now and get some more game time."
