Black Stars defender, Jonathan Quartey did his French Ligue 1 debut no harm after excelling in his side league clash against Saint Etienne last Wednesday to earn praise from the Nice technical team.

According to one French sporting journal, the “Ghanaian defender adjusted well in defence for Nice despite playing for the first time and on most occasion prevented the Saint Etienne attack from recording a bigger win”.

Since joining French Ligue 1 side, Nice last July from Absa Premiership giants, Kaizer Chiefs, the Ghanaian defender has been a bench warmer until last Wednesday when he was introduced in the second half of his side’s 1-4 loss to Saint Etienne in a Cup game.

A check from the club’s website revealed Quartey’s inclusion for this weekend’s away league clash with against Lille and he is very likely to be considered for a starting role after an impressive game last Wednesday coupled with the praise from the club’s trainer after the Cup tie.

Quartey has been absent from the Black Stars team after their 2-0 victory over Sudan in Omdurman in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

In one of his interviews with newsmen after the Stars two vital away wins against Mali and Sudan months ago, Quartey hinted how he is aiming for a first team place with his new side Nice to maintain his form as he seeks to be an integral member of Ghana’s squad to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, home of his last club, Kaizer Chiefs.

Nice are yet to find their rhythm in this season’s competition after suffering four loses in six games.