Ben Heneghan learning in the deep end at Motherwell
Ben Heneghan has learned some harsh lessons in his short time at Motherwell but will put them down to career development.
Ben Heneghan has learned some harsh lessons in his short time at Motherwell but will put them down to career development.
The 22-year-old centre back, who signed from Chester City in the summer, felt he had been kicked in the stomach'' when Kenny Miller's stoppage-time strike gave Rangers a 2-1 victory over the Steelmen in the Premiership at Ibrox last Saturday.
That disappointment came after a 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone and a 5-0 thrashing by Celtic at Parkhead in the last-16 of the Betfred Cup.
Ahead of the visit of Dundee in the league on Saturday, where Mark McGhee's men will look to add to the three points they won on the opening day at Kilmarnock, Heneghan spoke about his experiences so far since moving north of the border.
"There have been some very good players,'' he said.
"Scott Sinclair (Celtic) is very good player, the likes of Kenny Miller and Nico Kranjcar coming on for Rangers - they are all top players with very good careers and it is a good test for me.
"The game against Rangers was a good game to be part of and I am looking forward to the next one to be honest.
"That was massive for me and my development.
"I am not used to playing in grounds the size of Ibrox, with 48,000 fans there and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"Losing in the way we did at Celtic was a bit frustrating.
"But you have to learn those lessons and the next time you go there, you have to realise they are a good side and you have to deal with things better.
"It is a big test for me as it is a massive step up. I try to progress in each game and get better and better.''
The next stage of Heneghan's Scottish football education comes in the shape of the Dens Park side, who have four points from their first three league games.
"I have not seen anything of them to be honest, said the Englishman.
"I guess I will watch some clips before the game but I need to just to play my game and do the best for the team.
"I am still learning and it is good for my development. I just need to take what I can from each game and hopefully push on."