Ross County manager Malky Mackay would love to see central defender Will Nightingale extend loan from Wimbledon until the end of the season
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Malky Mackay would love to see Will Nightingale stay at Ross County until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old defender signed for the Staggies in the summer on a loan deal until January from Wimbledon, where he had spent the entirety of his career.
However, he immediately became a big part of the County starting 11 – only being forced out through injury in the last month or so.
Knowing there is more to come while still being impressed by Nightingale's application and performances, then, Mackay says he spoke to the defender earlier this week about potentially extending his stay in Scotland until the end of the season.
He understands that whether that will happen, though, is dependent on Wimbledon's stance going into the January transfer window.
“We had that chat on Tuesday," Mackay admitted.
“His loan is up in January and we had a good catch up. He is really enjoying his time here, and he would like to stay on.
“That’s obviously not in our gift to give, because obviously Wimbledon come into that. We will have a conversation with Wimbledon, but we will probably give it another few weeks because we won’t know the lie of the land until December.
“He is really keen to stay. He also thinks he has been a bit stop-start with a couple of his injuries, and that he’s not really been able to give his best.
“On the other hand, I think he has been terrific at the club. I know he has been frustrated because of a couple of little thigh niggles, but I can see why he has been captain of Wimbledon and been at the club since he was six years old, and played the number of games he has in English football.
“He’s an absolute leader. He has already become a great ambassador for our club, with the way he has acted and some of the things he has been out to on behalf of the club.
“On the pitch as well, every time he plays for me I can see why we brought him in, and why I think he will do great for the club. I would love to have him here until the end of the season – he’s a good guy and another one I want to represent this club."
