Reeco Hackett is enjoying proving himself at Championship level as City prepare for Saturday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.
The Imps have had an early taste of the demands of the division, and Hackett believes the opening weeks have demonstrated the importance of being clinical at both ends of the pitch.
Hackett, who was on the scoresheet against Portsmouth on Saturday, said: “It’s been a positive start and we’ve very quickly realised how much more quality there is at this level.
“A few of the goals have probably come from our mistakes and it’s a good lesson to have very early on that we can’t afford to give away half-chances anymore because you’ll be punished. On the flip side, we have to take our chances.
“It’s been a very quick lesson in the Championship. I’m sure there’ll be many more lessons, but it’s one that we’ve taken in and we’ll learn from it.”
Playing in the second tier represents a significant personal milestone for Hackett, who is determined to demonstrate that he belongs at the level.
He said: “It’s a goal that I’ve had throughout my whole career. I always believed that I could do it and that I would get here. Now it’s just about proving that I can play at this level and belong at this level.
“I’m really excited for the season ahead and hopefully I can put in some performances and get a lot of wins along the way.”
City head to Bolton following Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup victory at Blackpool, when changes to the starting XI provided opportunities for a number of the club’s summer additions.
Hackett watched the victory from the bench before a cameo appearance for the final 20 minutes, and was impressed by the way the side performed.
He said: “I thought the boys were really good. The new boys are settling in really well - some of them had been here for a matter of days and they’ve come in and put in a really good performance.
“It was good to get a win and a bit of confidence for the group, to get that winning feeling again. It was nice to win and it was a really good performance.”
As one of the more established members of the squad, Hackett is also keen to play his part in helping the new arrivals settle quickly.
He added: “I know what it’s like to be a new player. We’ve got an amazing group to come into and you want to make them feel settled as quickly as possible so we can see the best of them out on the pitch.
“Ultimately, we’re going to need everyone. Anything we can do as senior players to help them settle in quickly and see the best of them, we’ll absolutely do.”
