Dundee United academy graduate and centre back Nathan Cooney has joined Elgin City on loan until January
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ELGIN City have signed Dundee United centre back Nathan Cooney on loan until January.
The 19-year-old Tannadice academy graduate comes straight into City's squad for tomorrow's League Two match against Albion Rovers at Borough Briggs.
Cooney was farmed out to League Two newcomers Kelty Hearts last season - when the Fife club played in the Lowland League - and debuted as sub in a Betfred Cup win at Brechin City.
Game time at Kelty was limited due to the pandemic, and Cooney's next loan move was to Championship side Raith Rovers.
He found it hard to get regular football at the Kirkcaldy side, featuring twice as sub in league matches against Arbroath and Hearts.
Elgin manager Gavin Price has been looking to strengthen his back line since losing stoppers Andy McDonald to Peterhead and Stephen Bronsky to Edinburgh City earlier this year.
He signed Creag Little from Stenhousemuir on a permanent transfer and drafted in teenager Harry Nicolson on loan from Caley Thistle.
Injury to defensive regular Matthew Cooper has seen City make some reshuffles to their back four this term, and Cooney will now aim to push for a regular place.
Dundee United's head of player pathway and loans, Brian Grant said: "It's been extremely unfortunate to see Nathan not get the game time over the last 12 months that he would have liked, but we believe a move to Elgin City is exactly the one he needs.
"He's experienced a couple of different loans now at different clubs, leagues and environments and that will stand him in good stead as he looks to break into a talented starting XI."
"We wish Nathan all the best on his move north and look forward to his return."
