Nile Ranger

[Boab 73]

For his name at least, A striker too, we could with another maybe!

13 Jul 2009

Toon Challenge For Hotshot Nile

By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton has challenged teenage hotshot Nile Ranger to break into the Newcastle United first-team next season after watching the striker fire his first senior goal during Saturday's 3-0 win over Shamrock Rovers.

Ranger, who had been at substituted at half-time, was thrown a late chance to mark his debut with a goal when he was thrown back into the action for the final two minutes after Kazenga LuaLua was withdrawn because of slight muscle stiffness.

And it took the England Under-19 hitman less than 60 seconds to find the back of the net as he steered home from 25 yards after the home keeper, stranded on the edge of the box, had rushed from his line to block Shola Ameobi.

The cool finish rounded off an impressive week for Ranger who had travelled to Dublin with the senior set up for their pre-season boot camp.

He will now travel to Ukraine with England for this summer's Under-19 European Championships.

But when he returns in early August, coach Hughton believes that the talented Londoner should be ready to make a big push for his full United bow.

"Nile has got a real chance and there is an awful lot of potential there," Chris told nufc.co.uk.

"He's got pace and power and is a terrific athlete. He's also got tremendous bravery and it's things like that you can't teach.

"He needs to work on other aspects of his game but with the right attitude and application that will come.

"But he's willing to learn and had a great week in Ireland.

"I thought he then did very well leading the line during the first half against Shamrock and I was delighted when he went back on and scored.

"Now he's get to kick on again next season. He had a good first year and scored a lot of goals for the juniors and reserves.

"But making that step up is a different matter although I'm sure he is more than capable."

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsD...1720622,00.html