Teenage goal hero is embracing chance to prove himself at Inverness Caley Thistle after being recalled on loan from Elgin City and scoring against Arbroath
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LEWIS Nicolson says players coming through the academy system are relishing the opportunity of getting the chance to prove themselves at Caley Thistle.
The 18-year-old defender came off the bench to score in the 4–1 victory over Arbroath to give Inverness their second win in a row in the Championship.
Nicolson was recalled from loan at League Two Elgin City along with Ethan Cairns from Forres Mechanics and Robbie Thompson from Clachnacuddin as a result of the injury crisis at Inverness.
Now back at Inverness, Nicolson says he has been inspired with the number of players who came through the youth system and are now established in the first team.
He says that he is determined to be the next academy graduate to become a regular fixture in the Caley Thistle first team.
"Throughout the academy, the higher up you go, the more you realise the opportunities are there," says Nicolson.
"Cammy Harper, Daniel Mackay, Roddy MacGregor and Lewis Hyde have all broken through. It shows that the chances are there so you have to keeping digging in and wait for yours.
"I joined when I was seven and then went full time 18 months ago, I have been working away since and looking for the break and hopefully it comes soon.
"On a personal note, it's a shame that we have all these injuries, but this is an opportunity for myself to try and break in and be part of the squad."
Nicolson was on loan at Clachnacuddin in the Highland League last season before making the step up to Elgin City in League Two during the first half of the campaign.
He hopes now being recalled for Caley Thistle duty is the next step of progression in his career.
"I was playing Highland League before and then it was another step up to Elgin.
"I got used to it and hopefully I will make the next step up to the Championship.
"I knew for a bit before that I was coming back due to the injury crisis and I was well prepared to come back.
"I made most of the time at Elgin City and then I was straight back for the game against Cove Rangers.
"The past two results have been fantastic and you feel the momentum building in the squad. Hopefully we can build on that."
Nicolson scored his second goal for Inverness in the 4–1 win over Arbroath, his first goal came in the 2-1 defeat against Ayr United last season.
He feels that he is working well with head coach Billy Dodds and is confident he can help him develop his game and if he is good enough, will get a chance in the first team.
Speaking of Dodds, Nicolson said: "He has given me a lot of different points to work on. Hopefully that will allow me to break into his team.
"There is constant coaching points being given and that is how you learn. He makes the decisions and I know if I listen to him, there is no reason I can't kick on."
