SOUTHEND United striker Nile Ranger did not suffer an injury setback against MK Dons on Saturday - despite limping off towards the end of the 3-0 victory.

Ranger was substituted for Marc-Antoine Fortune in the 79th minute at Stadium:mk But boss Phil Brown insisted it was just tiredness which forced the forward to hobble off.

“There was a massive fatigue factor where Nile was concerned and that’s why he looked uncomfortable like that when he came off,” said Brown.

“He’s had three games in a week having previously not had three games in two years.

“There’s no knock or anything like that so we’ll wrap him up in cotton wool now, get that lactic acid out of his legs and hopefully wheel him out against Shrewsbury on Saturday.”

And Ranger could soon also be joined on the pitch by midfielder Michael Timlin who is close to coming back from a hamstring injury which has stopped him lining up for the Shrimpers so far this season.

“Michael Timlin has been to see the surgeon and he’s got the all clear which is very positive news,” confirmed Brown.

“It’s not quite all systems go just yet but we’re almost there.

“Michael has earmarked the Millwall game so we’re probably looking at him being back within the next couple of weeks.”

Blues’ FA Cup clash at Millwall will be played on Friday November 4.