As opening matches go for your new club, it doesn’t get much bigger than facing the Champions League finalists.

Chester FC new boy John Pritchard, who completed a move from Ashton United earlier this week, can’t wait to lock horns with Premier League giants Liverpool next weekend, with Jurgen Klopp bringing his first-team to the Swansway Chester Stadium on Saturday, July 7.

Liverpool have committed to fielding a number of their first-team stars not on World Cup duty, with the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk potentially set to face Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson’s Chester side.

It kicks off a new chapter in Pritchard’s career, after the 22-year-old – who can play at left-back or as a left winger – helped Ashton United secure promotion to National League North last season.

“It’s really exciting to come to Chester, but I know that joining a bigger club comes bigger responsibility,” said Pritchard, who has penned a one-year deal with the Blues.

“You couldn’t come up against anyone bigger to get it all started, could you? I know it’s only a friendly, but the chance to play against Liverpool is going to be brilliant.

“It’s the chance to test yourself against players who are used to playing at the top level and we’ve got to show what we’re capable of.

“I’m used to starting pre-season with friendlies in front of 50 people so it’s massive to be playing on the same pitch as players you watch on TV week-in-week-out.

“I’m told they are bringing some of their bigger players, so that’s going to be fantastic for everyone at Chester. I’m excited to play against players who were in the Champions League final just a few weeks ago.”

Pritchard, who previously had spells with Ramsbottom United and Northwich Victoria, has adapted to a range of positions during his short career to-date, which earned comparisons from his Ashton team-mates to a former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland stalwart.

“They called me John O’Shea at Ashton! Maybe it’s not the best nickname! But I guess I was their utility man,” he continued.

“I’ve played left-back, left wing, centre-midfield, behind the strikers, I’ve had loads of positions.

“I’m better on the left-side, but I just want to spend time on the pitch. If I’m playing, I don’t mind.

“You join a new club, the last thing you want to be doing is warming the bench.”

When his reputation as a dead-ball specialist was put to him, Pritchard replied: “That’s what people seem to say I am! I managed to score a few free-kicks last season so I guess they get highlighted as they always look good.

“People think set-pieces should be easy and it drives them mad when players don’t beat the first man at corners and free-kicks.

“I’ve worked hard at corners and free-kicks and hopefully it just helps me get a place in the team.”

Pritchard, who hails from Littleborough near Rochdale, said the 2017/18 campaign was the first time he’d ever truly ‘enjoyed football’ as Ashton claimed promotion from the Northern Premier League, alongside fellow Chester addition and right-back Dominic Smalley.

“Ashton was the first time where I’ve really enjoyed my football,” he continued.

“We had a really close-knit bunch and all the lads were geared towards gaining promotion. That was our aim and it was fantastic to realise that dream for the club.

“I’ve got a taste for promotion now and I’d like to think we’ll have similar aims this season. I just can’t wait to get started.”