GEORGE Nurse is enjoying the challenge of playing in League Two and is looking forward to another test when Newport County AFC travel to Colchester United tomorrow.
The Exiles are three points off top spot, with a game in hand, following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Crawley Town. Nurse was a half-time substitute in that game and helped County come from behind to take their share of the spoils.
And the 20-year-old may have to produce a similar performance with the Club searching for their first win at Colchester since 1972.
“The long trips do take their toll but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough game but I’m looking forward to, hopefully, getting a couple more minutes and showing everyone what I can do.
“I haven’t played there before but speaking to the boys they haven’t had the best run of form there.
“I just want to go there, put in a good performance and bring the three points home.
“I’ve been getting a bit of a sniff recently. I’ve just got to keep working hard in training, that’s all I can do, and hopefully the gaffer gives me a chance in the starting line-up.”
This is Nurse’s first season in League Two with his only other first-team experience coming in last year’s loan spell at Weston-super-Mare AFC and the Bristol City loanee is enjoying his time in South Wales.
“Everyone is at a decent standard in League Two, you come up against good players and it’s a good test for me to get that experience playing against these players,” he added.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, I like being tested as a player and I feel like I am being tested in League Two.
“Coming up from Conference South last year is a big step and I’ve enjoyed the challenge.”
He has certainly made an impact this season, most notably his 30-yard strike that sealed a dramatic late victory over Carlisle United at Rodney Parade.
“It was good, it blew up. I got a lot of social media attention,” explained Nurse, who can operate on the left side of defence or midfield.
“It was good, my first EFL goal and it was a good start for me.
“I do like to have a shot when I can and luckily I took the chance and it paid off for me.”