MARK Jermyn believes youngster Owen Nicolson needs game time to progress as a player, and is hoping he will get the opportunity to do so at Hamworthy United.

The Magpies, who travel to play Dunstable Town tomorrow (3pm), confirmed on their club website last week that Nicolson was set to join up on dual registration with the Wessex League outfit and he was part of the Hammers’ squad that beat Fareham Town 6-3 at the County Ground last Saturday.

Asked by Echosport about the situation with midfielder Nicolson, Jermyn replied: “It’s an opportunity to get him playing football week in week out.

“Last year he was in the reserves and he stepped up to the first team this year. He has not been involved as much as he would probably like.”

He added: “We do like him and he is a good little player but, at the moment, I just don’t feel he is ready for the first team at this stage.

“But, give him a year or so, as long as he keeps working hard there is no reason why he can’t be involved. Getting him out on a loan is ideal for us and I think Hamworthy kind of need some players as well.”