Nimely set for loan move


Will Liberian-born Alex Nimley’s switch from premiere side Manchester City to Division One side Middlesborough in the English League increase his playing time and chances of playing for England?

Since deciding to switch his allegiance from Liberia to England, Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely, has failed to make his mark in the English premiere league. Now Nimley has a chance to propel himself into prominence with a three-month loan deal move to Middlesborough who announced that they have signed the Manchester City striker last weekend.

The youngster has struggled to keep a first team place in a powerful Manchester City side boasting some of the world’s finest strikers. Nimley, played for England in the 2009 Under-20 World Cup and was an unused squad member in this year's event.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Liberia, has made two first-team appearances for City and signed a four-year deal at the club in April 2010. Nimley, joined City's Academy back in 2008 and progressed to their first team but has been unable to hold down a first team place.

Although he was handed his Premier League debut last year, City are keen for him to gain first-team experience and the loan move to Boro could be just what the doctor ordered for the young striker, more playing time.

But it may not be all rosy for Nimley who will be battling Boro boss Tony Mowbray’s high-flying team already boasting Marvin Emnes and Scott McDonald in their senior squad. Nimely will add to Mowbray's options and look to cement himself in the side during the three-month spell win himself a place back at City’s first team.

Nimley began his career at Mighty Barrolle and Cotonsport Garoua. In December 2007, he went on a trial with City and on May 12, 2008, rejected a call-up from Liberia for a 2010 World Cup qualifying match. Nimley declared to the press that he chose to play for England, as his father is English.

He was called up to the England U-20 squad for the 2009 World Cup and scored his first goal in the final group stage match against Uzbekistan. Nimley’s gamble to snub his homeland for England caught many of guard. It remains to be seen whether his move to Boro would improve his chances and prove to his critics that he made the right choice in switching allegiance.

Liberia has had very few players to excel in the English premiere league. George Weah had a brief spell at Man City following his loan move from AC Milan, Christopher Wreh had a lengthy and mildly successful spell with Arsenal and Collins John broke through well with Fulham FC before falling out of ranks. Nimley had been tipped to pick up the slack and make a mark for Liberia.

Although he is still a young player with a lot of potential, the brutish premiere league poses a huge challenge and analysts say Nimley will have to work extra hard to make an immediate impact starting with his loan move to Boro.