Dons loan star Chidi made his new pals smile on social media
Chidi Nwakali has vowed to sing for his new Aberdeen team-mates today.
But Andrew Considine reckons the Nigerian’s already making enough racket within the squad to prove he can be a big noise at Pittodrie.
Nwakali, who is set to make his debut today in a bounce game against Uzbek champs Lokomotiv Tashkent in Dubai, has settled instantly into the group.
The 21-year- old Manchester City loanee was shy during his first day at the Jebel Ali base before exploding on to the squad’s social media scene.
Considine believes Nwakali’s outgoing personality and willingness to bond immediately with his team are a surefire sign the midfielder will also be able to do his talking on the pitch.
He said: “He’s pretty lively to be fair. We have a group WhatsApp and he was entertaining on that so the ice has been broken.
“Most of what happens on WhatsApp stays on WhatsApp!
“But he produced a dance video on the WhatsApp so it should be fun.
“Don’t worry, he had clothes on. He doesn’t know about my video yet but I’m sure he will!
“I’ve seen a few loan signings over the years and they stay in a shell and don’t get involved. But him and Dom [Ball] who have come in have been straight in about it.
“He’s definitely a character. He says he’s going to sing on Sunday so we’re still waiting for that.
“I’ve only seen him in training but he looks like a really good player.”
Nwakali didn’t play in the club’s golf day but Considine reckons the sight of 200 fans greeting the players and the same amount turning up for today’s friendly in the Middle East will show the signing the size of the Dons.
He said: “The golf was a lot better standard last year but it’s always a good day. You don’t realise how many fans are out here until you go to the golf day.
“It’s great for us to do regardless of whether or not you play.
“These lads pay a lot to see the team and meet and greet the boys. It’s a great thing that the club organise.
“I’m sure Chidi will get a good part of the game on Sunday in front of a couple of hundred fans.
“He’ll know what is expected of him. He’s had a couple of years in Norway and I’m sure it’s similar to Scottish football.
“The fact he’s at Manchester City says a lot about him and the fact we’ve done quite well over the last three or four years puts us on a pedestal. So teams down south look at Aberdeen and think it’s worth loaning players.
“It’s great that City are prepared to loan us a player. He looks the part in training. He’s only 21 and he will be a great addition.”
Nwakali’s arrival adds to the freshness around the squad as they get set for a strong second half of the term. Considine said: “Speaking to the boys as the break approached, it was well-needed. “We had four or five days longer off than last year but because we started earlier with Europe it has been a long season so far.
“It has come at the right time and last year we managed to go on a winning run of 12. The boys look fresh in training so it has been a really good thing.
“We need to keep the gap to Celtic close. I know it’s going to be tough with the likes of Hearts, Rangers and Hibs, as it has been really close when we’ve played them this season.
“It’s going to be very tough to get past Celtic but to be in touching distance is definitely acceptable.
“Our main aim is second spot and, hopefully, going that one step extra in the Scottish Cup and lifting it.
“Last season’s final was a huge suckerpunch. In the second half, it was backs to the wall and we had a couple of chances but against Celtic and Rangers you need to take them. It was a real sore