Inverness Caledonian Thistle teenager Lewis Nicolson is loving life on loan at Elgin City and learning from the Borough Briggs club's more experienced players
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The big step up from Highland League to SPFL football has not fazed Caley Thistle youngster Lewis Nicolson in his loan spell at Elgin City.
The 18-year-old has already won a man of the match award at Borough Briggs and been part of a League 2 revival for the Black and Whites in recent weeks.
City have risen the ranks during Nicolson's seven appearances at left back and left midfield, though he was disappointed to suffer a first home defeat to Forfar last weekend.
After featuring for Clach in the Highland League last season, and making four appearances in Caley Thistle's first team, the player is excited to be taking his development to the next level in League Two.
"Playing with these boys, more experienced players - I’m absolutely loving it so far," he said.
"What I’ve learned is just being able to slot into a team and play with experienced players. The more physical side of it you have to adapt to, which is a lot different to what I’ve been used to through youth football.
"But it is absolutely fantastic to be learning that through these players.
"I’ve had four appearances at Inverness, a wee bit of exposure there but not much. This is my first real chance at adult football and it has been very positive so far."
Caley Thistle favour Nicolson as a left back but he has been given the licence to play further forward since Elgin also signed a second left back, Greig Young, on loan from Raith Rovers around the same time Nicolson came on board.
The Inverness side have sent their spies to Borough Briggs to keep an eye on their player's progress.
"I’ve been watched a few times and they have been very positive about the loan move and the experience I’m getting, so it is working out well.
"The gaffer just told me to keep pushing and putting in performances for Elgin. That’s the aim, it’s all I’m focused on.
"I was in the Highland League last year and it is a big step up.
"I like going forward but I maybe need to work on the defensive side of it.
"It’s a different option for the (Elgin) manager. We’ve played with Darryl (McHardy) in front of me and that’s been a good partnership. It depends on the game really."
Nicolson have received the message loud and clear that Elgin are gunning for a shot at promotion this season, and he is determnined to help them into a challenging position.
We got 13 points out of a possible 15 which is an incredible run no matter what stage of the season. It’s about making that the norm for us really.
"The (Forfar) game was a bit of a write-off but we need to keep picking up more points.
"I see no reason why Elgin can’t go for promotion. The play-offs are the minimum for us and we are really looking to push forward. We’ve got the team for it, we’ve got the players and we’ve just got to keep that run going."
Nicolson admitted he is looking forward to a break from league action and this weekend's Scottish Cup clash against Camelon.
"There have been three tough games this week and we’ve really had to battle it out. So I'm looking forward to no midweek game and into next Saturday and going strong.
"There’s no easy game in this league, that’s for sure. You don’t know what to expect each week but that is part of the experience for me. You need to be switched on every game no matter who you are up against.
"I’m looking forward to playing the Scottish Cup.
"We have to watch that we aren’t complacent at all. Camelon, we are not underestimating them at all and it should be a good game."
