Sunderland forward determined to make a name for himself at Hartlepool United
The 19-year-old joined League Two Pools on a loan deal until the end of the season on deadline day and Nelson - who has been part of the Sunderland set-up since the age of six - is relishing his first loan spell.
Nelson made his first league start in the 1-1 draw with Yeovil Town at Victoria Park, an eventful debut that saw the young forward provide the assist for Padraig Amond's opener before then giving away a penalty for the Yeovil equaliser.
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Hide AdConceding the penalty left him devastated but Nelson has had time to reflect on his debut and is determined to grab his loan chance with both hands.
"It offers a new perspective on football as I’ve been brought up in the academy," said Nelson.
"I have been schooled by Sunderland since I was six so to be able to go out and try to get involved in another team is a great opportunity for me and its one I know I need to take.
"The demands are much higher because its first team football and it was a crazy debut.
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Hide Ad"I know not many people had heard about me before the loan but I really want to show people want I can do.
"I was really nervous before the game on Saturday but that’s part of it and it’s what I have trained for all my life.
"I enjoyed every second of my debut up until 70 minutes or so when I gave away the penalty because I was devastated.
"I want to give everything I have, I play with my heart on my sleeve and it’s up to me to help the team."
Pools face eighth-placed Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon and Nelson is expected to keep his place in the side.