Matthew Bates is backing striker Alex Nimely

by Philip Tallentire, Evening Gazette
Sep 21 2011


MATTHEW Bates believes there’s much more to come from new striker Alex Nimely, who made his Boro debut last night.

The 20-year-old from Manchester City signed a three-month loan deal on Friday and was named in the starting XI for the Carling Cup third round tie against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

He worked hard, was full of running and went close to marking his debut with a goal.

Latching onto a fine right wing cross from Justin Hoyte, Nimely controlled the ball and, with his back to goal, turned sharply before hitting a powerful shot which keeper Lewis Price did well to save.

Skipper Bates believes the England Under-20 international has given the manager options for the forthcoming games, which can only help Boro’s promotion campaign.

“We’ve got two good strikers who’ve been here a while and Alex came in and showed his potential in his first game,” he said.




“I thought he did well, he looked lively, and there’s more to come from him. The more options we’ve got the more chance we have of being top of the league.”

Bates believes it’s crucial Boro make Ipswich pay for last night's defeat at the Riverside on Saturday.

“A great run has come to an end and we need to bounce back now by getting three points on Saturday. When you look at the table and at how many goals we’ve conceded we’ve got one of the best records in the Football League and we need to keep that going,” he said.


Read More http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2011/09/21/matthew-bates-is-backing-striker-alex-nimely-84229-29460466/#ixzz1YblCr7gI