Lewis Nicolson cannot wait to return to the fold for Elgin City as he backs them to reignite their League Two promotion push.
The on-loan Caley Thistle left-back, 18, was sent off in the very early stages of a 2-1 league loss at East Fife last month.
He’s watched Elgin win 3-2 at Bonnyrigg Rose and crash 4-0 at home to leaders Dumbarton while kicking his heels.
A trip to Annan Athletic is next for City this Saturday and back-to-back away wins against Forfar Athletic and Stirling gives the hosts a chance to join fourth-placed Elgin on 19 points should they win.
There have been two very different meetings between the teams this term.
Annan ran out 4-0 winners in July when the sides met in the Betfred Cup group stages, but Elgin romped to a 5-1 home league win on October 1, with Kane Hester scoring four of his 20 goals in one afternoon.
Gunning for victory away to Annan
Now Nicolson, who remains full-time at Championship parent side Inverness, believes the Moray side can improve further.
He said: “We’re getting plenty of goals and good results, but there is still more to come from us.
“You just never know what to expect in this league, every game throws up something different.
“I wasn’t at Elgin when we lost down at Annan, but I saw the second game against them up here and Kane showed they have areas which can be exploited.
“It will be a tough challenge, but there is no reason why we can’t go and get a result there.
“Last Saturday was an off-day for everyone. We have more than enough quality here to be pushing for promotion.
“In this league, teams drop points left, right and centre. There is an opportunity for us, without a doubt.”
Sole focus is on Elgin City game time
Nicolson’s switch to Elgin lasts until January.
With Inverness having defenders Zak Delaney, Danny Devine and Robbie Deas amid the nine players injured right now, Nicolson insists his focus must remain fixed on matters at Borough Briggs.
He said: “I’m just taking each week as it comes.
“I know Caley Thistle have an injury crisis, but I’m just focusing on my own game and trying to get points for Elgin right now.
“It’s been going well at Elgin. I’ve been getting to know the boys and been settling in. It’s been a really positive start.
“I have been in and out a wee bit with injuries then, more recently, with suspension, which has been quite frustrating.
“Being sent off at East Fife made for a frustrating day at the office, especially after just seven minutes. It killed the game.
“Getting a good run of games is absolutely massive for me. We’ve been doing well and Kane Hester has been on fire this season.”
Draper’s guidance helping Nicolson
It’s a former Caley Thistle star who is proving to be a real helping hand at Elgin in the shape of midfielder-turned-centre-half Ross Draper.
The Scottish Cup-winning star has added plenty of experience and ability to Gavin Price’s line-up since joining from Cove and Nicolson appreciates the on-field guidance.
He added: “Ross has been playing left centre-half, just beside me, and having his composure and experience there has really helped me massively.
“He keeps me right, telling me when to go forward and when to sit. He’s been a really good influence.
“Ross is such an experienced player and he’s a very good asset for us.”
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