I was head over heels to be offered Well deal

Christy Manzinga knew he had to impress in a trial game for Motherwell against Gretna.

But he couldn’t have predicted the stunning overhead kick goal that convinced Well boss Stephen Robinson he was worth a deal.

The French striker was recommended to the Fir Park club by former player Cedric Kipre.

And after his scissor-kick in a pre-season friendly, the former PSG kid was praying he’d done enough to earn a crack at the Premiership.

He said: “I was so excited because I felt it might be my last chance in football. If I didn’t do it here, I’d have to shut up and look at something else.

“When they said they wanted to sign me, I was so happy. I know now that if I listen and work hard I can show what I’m capable of.

“I didn’t actually think the overhead kick would be a big moment. I’m a striker, that’s what I do, score goals. I didn’t care what type of goal it was. I just wanted the Motherwell manager to see my quality.”

Manzinga admits he has taken time to adjust to the pace of the Scottish game – and Motherwell’s training. But he says that’s why Robinson’s men are flying high in the league.

He said: “I used to be a player who only really trained at 50 per cent and waited for the game.

“But I’ve learned that I have to be at 100 per cent every day.

“Here, the intensity is the same in training and games.

“I know why we’re third in the Premiership table – it’s because of how we work.

“People outside don’t see it but to train at this level every day is really hard.

“Sometimes we’re so tired but two hours later we’re at it on the training pitch. It’s good to be in a squad like this.”