Sam Nicholson has been impressed by the strong competition for places at Bristol Rovers, since joining the Gas from Colorado Rapids in the summer.
The attacking midfielder scored his first goal for the club since joining from the MLS side as Nicholson opened the scoring against Rochdale on Saturday.
Unfortunately for him, it did not prove to be the winner as Rochdale equalised through Alex Newby in the first half to earn a share of the spoils.
But Nicholson has been impressed by his new team-mates at Rovers, with the Scottish midfielder commenting on the brilliant attitudes that the players have in training, and how it is often difficult for Ben Garner to pick his starting 11.
“Competition for places is only a good thing," he said.
"I think that there have been times when players have given the gaffer a bit of a headache when picking the team, and I am sure that is what he wants, and I'm sure that is what the players want, It gives you that little incentive to do better.”
The strike partnership of James Daly and Brandon Hanlan has been an effective tool for the Rovers throughout the early stages of this season, having shared six goals between them in eight matches.
Nicholson identified the duo as examples of positive competition for places, which is what he calls a good problem.
“I think it is a very good problem, with James [Daly] and Brandon [Hanlan] especially up top," he said.
"They have been playing well, and getting goals, I think that every player has played well since the start of the season.”
The Scotsman switched up his role in Saturday’s away draw against Rochdale, as he was brought in from the left wing, to play a more central, free roaming ‘number ten’ position, with Garner opting for David Tutonda in a left wing-back role.
Nicholson adapted well as he scored Rovers’ only goal in a very tough game in Greater Manchester.
“I have traditionally been a winger, but wherever they put me I am happy to play, and try to perform. It is competition for places so when we get the chance, we just need to try to keep our place. Like I said, everybody has been brilliant this season, it has been tough but I'm glad that I can get some minutes under my belt.”
Despite not securing a win against Rochdale, the 25-year old is ready to move on, with his focus now on tomorrow’s match against Peterborough.
"The good thing about this league is that there are plenty of times to do things right," he said.
"You know, if you get a bad score, or if you get a draw, there is only a couple of days before you can start putting it right. We just get today (Saturday) out of our head, and look towards Tuesday now [against Peterborough]."
