Venney not afraid to mix it with the big boys after joining Boston United

The 18-year-old may stand at just 5ft 5ins tall, but the Grimsby Town loanee says he will hold his own during his month-long spell with Boston United.

“I say I am ready,” Venney said after making his debut on Sunday, the Pilgrims’ 1-0 defeat at Gloucester City.

“I can handle myself on the pitch so I would say if a big lad came into a challenge on me I’m not going to be backing out, I’m going to be going in.”

The highly-rated teenager, who was offered a pro deal with the Mariners after graduating from their youth academy, may be a David in a division of Goliaths, but he certainly doesn’t lack confidence.

He has one first-team appearance with Town to his name, but he hopes his spell with the Pilgrims will earn him a place in Paul Hurst’s plans.

“It’s a lot more physical (than youth team games), you have got to be aware, win the second balls and get on the front foot and try and hopefully push forward for the goal.

“I want to hopefully do well and hopefully go back to Grimsby and progress there as well.

“Obviously, with the physicality of this league, if you can deal with it, you can deal with it in that league too.”

Hurst, of course, is a former Boston manager.

But did he offer Venney any tips about life at the Jakemans Stadium?

“He just said ‘go and enjoy it and do what you do best’,” Venney added.

“He didn’t really give me any personal tips, but he has just helped me with what I should and shouldn’t do.

“It fills me with loads of confidence coming here. Boston are doing really well in the league so for him to send me to a club that’s pushing for promotion is a big positive for me.”

Venney was one of three new recruits snapped up by Dennis Greene last week.

Former Notts County and Torquay United forward Malachi Lavelle-Moore and Sheffield United youngster Ioan Evans were both named in Sunday’s squad.

Lavelle-Moore, who impressed during a trial with the club, was a second-half substitute while 18-year-old Evans didn’t get off the bench.