Nikolić thriving in Videoton spotlight

FC Videoton could end the season as Hungarian champions, yet their striker Nemanja Nikolić has already enjoyed a campaign to remember.

The 22-year-old has scored six goals in nine starts since joining from Kaposvári Rákóczi FC in the January transfer window, adding to his ten goals in the first half of the season. With Videoton just a point behind leaders Debreceni VSC ahead of the sides' meeting on Friday, Nikolić has realistic hopes of a championship winners' medal.

However, he modestly downplays his contribution to his new team's success. "I came in at the best time although my task is still the same," he said. "I need to score goals or help my team-mates with assists."

Nikolić's most recent strike came in Videoton's 3-1 win at former club Kaposvár last weekend and, although Tuesday's home defeat against MTK Budapest dented their title prospects, the player has no regrets. "My situation as a striker is more or less the same as it was, but the competition here at Videoton is really high," he said. "The team has five strikers and all of them are good goalscorers."

Videoton's 26 league games have yielded 53 goals, fewer only than Debrecen, while 26 conceded represents the second-best defensive record in the Hungarian top flight. They therefore head into the top-of-the-table contest with confidence high, Nikolić having already equalled his best ever goals tally for a season after managing 16 last term.

"I think Videoton are favourites to win the title," said the striker, who was born in Serbia and moved to Hungary with Barcsi SC in 2006. "The reason is simple: the players are much hungrier than in Debrecen. This game will be very important but all the players at Videoton are really keen and focused."