Heneghan ready for Motherwell ‘step up’

NEW Motherwell defender Ben Heneghan came through the ranks alongside England starlet Ross Barkley and now he’s ready for his own crack at the big time. The 22-year-old was unveiled yesterday alongside fellow Fir Park new boys right-back Richard Tait and striker Jacob Blyth having spent the past two years with non-league side Chester.

The giant stopper started his career at Everton where midfielder Barkley, currently at the Euros with Roy Hodgson’s side, became a friend and teammate. Now Heneghan wants some success for himself having made the step up to join Mark McGhee’s men.

He said: “I started with Everton when I was 11. I did seven years there and then went to Stoke for two years as a pro. Things didn’t really work out there but I took my chance with Chester and now I am here.

“At Everton, Alan Stubbs was the reserve manager. I had a few games under him and did some training sessions. Davie Weir also came in just as I was leaving. It was a good experience working with the reserves.

“Ross Barkley was there at the same time and he has done really well for himself. It was good going up against him in training. It was a challenge.

“I’m hoping coming to Motherwell will improve my game. It’s a big step up and hopefully I can progress.

“I heard a few whispers in January of interest from Motherwell but I was still under contract at Chester and no offer came in so I kept my head down. I can’t say I know loads about Scottish football but I’ve been reading up on it and it looks exciting this season.”