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 team-mate. 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. I've been watching him for England in recent times and he's been smashing it really. He was always the player who stood out, even in those days. It was good going up against him in training. It was a challenge.

"He's playing at a high level now and he deserves all the success he gets. I haven't spoken to him for a while but I'm sure I will catch up with him at some point. I'm hoping coming to Motherwell will improve my game. It's a big step up and hopefully I can progress.”

Heneghan has experienced international football himself of late. He explained: “I was playing for the England C team recently and it was a big honour. I enjoyed every minute of it because we played against international Under-21 sides.

“It went well apart from the fact we conceded in the last kick of the game to lose 4-3 to Slovakia Under-21s but we won both of our other games so I was happy with that. The first game was a friendly against Republic of Ireland Under-21s which we won 2-1 and the second was Ukraine away which we won 2-0. I was in touch with Motherwell at that time but I was trying to focus on the England games. When that finished I was able to seriously start talking.

“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. I know a couple of players having played against them before so it’s good to know a few faces. The first game is Rangers and I am looking forward to it. It's a big match to start with and I can't wait. I'm really looking forward to that.”