THE thrill of first-team football is flowing through Andy Nicholas' veins once again, breathing new life into a campaign that looked to be dying for the youngster.

He is probably the only member of the County Ground squad with a smile on his face at this stage of proceedings.

It isn't that the 21-year-old is happy with the uphill play-off struggle facing Andy King's men, rather that he is clocking up appearances once again.

Nicholas, who hasn't figured for King's side since early January, was only a few miles along the road from his colleagues on Saturday.

While Town were crashing 3-0 at Hartlepool, the young Liverpudlian was part of the Chester City side beaten 1-0 at Darlington.

Clyde Wijnhard's 76th-minute penalty meant the visitors headed home disappointed but it is far from doom and gloom for Nicholas.

He is thriving at the Deva Stadium under Ian Rush and has been on the losing side just once since joining on a month's loan.

He has two matches remaining before Andy King decides whether or not to recall him.

But the young defender feels he is in a no-lose situation at this stage.

He isn't ruling out extending his stay but neither will he throw a tantrum if the call comes to travel back to Wiltshire.

The former Liverpool youngster said: "I am playing first team football and I'm enjoying it.

"Obviously it has been frustrating at times this season and I'm just glad that I'm ending the year in a positive way."

Nicholas is embroiled in a battle to prevent Chester dropping out of the Football League but he wouldn't object at a recall to bolster another play-off battle.

He said: "Although we didn't quite make it last year it was still fantastic to be involved in the play-offs and it'd be great to have the experience again."

Mind-you, should the call come then the only down side will be having to cook for himself once again.

Playing at Chester is allowing Nicholas to enjoy the comforts of home.

He said: "It's nice to spend some time back home."

However, he is adamant that home cooking will play second fiddle to a play-off call if it comes to it.

Ticket prices have been announced for the trip to Hull City on April 16. They are as follows: £16 (adults) and £9 (senior citizens, students and children). Prices increase by £1 on match day.