FORMER Stalybridge Celtic defender Jack Higgins reckons tomorrow's friendly trip to his old club will present the ideal physical test ahead of an uncompromising National League campaign for York City.

The 24-year-old, ex-PE teacher feels the Bower Fold fixture, which kicks off at 3pm, will particularly provide an education for some of the squad's younger players as he prepares for a robust return to the National League North oufit.

On the challenge posed in Greater Manchester, Higgins said: "I'm looking forward to seeing everybody again, but they will be physical, very direct and take any chance to put the ball in our box.

"It will be quite similar to what we can expect in the National League at places like Barrow from what I've heard. Some of our young lads might be used to playing nice, slick football on carpets, but they will be getting balls lumped in at them and it will be a real test for them."

A towering Higgins profited, himself, from Stalybridge's aerial approach last term, finishing the club's top scorer from centre back with an impressive 13 goals.

But, while the one-time Rushden & Diamond trainee will be doing his best to weigh in with a few more for his new club, he is placing a greater importance on keeping them out at the other end, adding: "With our long throws and free kicks at Stalybridge, I managed to get my head on the ball quite a lot, being 6ft 3in.

"I've told the chairman I won't promise 13 goals whatsoever, but I will be looking to get as many as I can. My job is defending though and I would prefer 13 clean sheets in our first 15 games instead."

With the likes of Matt Fry, Josh Robinson and Ben Clappison also in the running for defensive slots, Higgins is determined to prove his worth in pre-season as manager Jackie McNamara looks to settle on his first XI for the season's curtain-raising trip to Maidstone on August 6.

"Every club I've been at I've always made sure that I'm in the team and I'm very stubborn and hard working so, once I've got the shirt, it's difficult to get it off my back," he declared. "I want to show fans that I'm passionate and a winner."