MIDDLESBROUGH have confirmed the signing of Kenneth Omeruo on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Omeruo, a 20-year-old Nigeria international who can play at centre-half or right-back, has yet to make his debut for Chelsea, but is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge.

He has joined Boro for the remainder of the campaign, and is eligible to make his debut in Saturday's trip to Blackpool.

"Kenneth is a strong defender and I think we need to improve in this area," said Boro head coach Aitor Karanka.

"I know him. José (Mourinho) and has told me about him and I think he's going to be very good for us to add to the squad."

Born in Abia, Nigeria, Omeruo made his senior debut for his national team last season as a 19-year-old, and impressed in the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has since become a regular, winning 14 caps, and also played in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

It is hoped the move to Middlesbrough will help secure him a place in Nigeria's squad for this summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Omeruo has also played a total of 36 games for Dutch side ADO Den Haag, scoring two goals.