CHRISTMAS has already come for New Zealand striker Hamish Watson – but one last present at Macclesfield would be greatly received.
The 21-year-old is gunning for his first Grimsby Town start since arriving at Blundell Park on a short-term deal.
Watson made a brief cameo from the bench against Woking last month.
But after watching Friday night's victory over Forest Green from the dugout, he wants to be a part of the Boxing Day action.
And for Watson, that would be a perfect substitute for spending his first Christmas away from his Wellington home.
He told the Telegraph: "It was always going to happen one day – not having a normal Christmas in New Zealand.
"But I want to play football and I've got a great chance here at Grimsby.
"Over the Christmas period, there are lots of games in a short space of time.
"Hopefully the gaffer is looking to rotate the team a little bit, and it might give me an opportunity.
"We agreed on a short-team deal, and are planning to have a talk about that soon.
"Christmas is going to be extremely important for me, but the main aim is to keep working hard and then take my chance.
"It's summer in New Zealand at the moment, and there is always a little break for the players.
"Our football stops for a couple of weeks, and you get a little bit of time off, but I like it here with all the games going on.
"Hopefully we can keep playing well, and picking up the points at this crucial time."
With four strikers battling for positions in the Mariners' line-up, Watson may have to bide his time for a chance.
But having fulfilled one dream in signing for a UK club, the former Kiwi Under-20 man now wants to prove he has what it takes.
Watson added: "When I first came over, I wasn't the fittest.
"But I've been working hard with a few of the boys, and doing that bit extra.
"It's been hard work but I'm getting there and feeling much sharper.
"Hopefully now I can force my way in and get that opportunity to prove what I can do.
"It was awesome to get on the pitch against Woking.
"Obviously the boys played well and, most importantly, we got the result that night.
"It was always my dream to come over to England and play here."
On his journey to England, Watson continued: "I started at an amateur team called Lower Hutt City.
"My dad got me in there when I was four, and I stayed until I was 20 – so I obviously have very fond memories of the club
"I worked my way up through the regional teams, and signed a pro deal with the only major team in New Zealand.
"At the end of the season, Wellington decided not to sign me up again.
"But that gave me a great opportunity to come over here to the UK and try and make a name for myself in the British game."
Watson made two appearances for Wellington Phoenix – who compete in the A League along with Australia's best teams.
But he boasted a proud goalscoring record for Lower Hutt City, and will be no doubt hoping to replicate that in the Conference.
For now, though, Watson is focussed on adjusting to winter life in Britain.
He said: "I spent Christmas with a few relatives of mine in Liverpool. This time of year is quite similar everywhere.
"But it's been a little different for me because, for the last 20 years or so, Christmas for me has been on a sunny day.
"I didn't know what would happen here – but thankfully it didn't snow!"
