NILE Ranger is to miss out on facing his former Newcastle United team tonight.

The striker - who is with the Shrimpers until at least the end of the month - is suffering with a groin problem.

And Blues boss Phil Brown does not expect Ranger to recover in time to take on the Magpies.

“It would have been great for Nile to play against Newcastle as they’re his former team but I don’t think it’s going to happen if I’m honest,” said Brown.

“Nile is still very tight in his groin and it would be a big risk to play him.

“We need to get him right before he returns and then we’ll be sitting down to discuss his future with him at the end of the month, which was always the plan.”

Ranger, who made 62 appearances for Newcastle at the start of his career, will be hoping to secure a longer term deal with the Shrimpers.

However, Southend’s three other trialists - centre-backs Jakub Sokolik and William Edjenguele plus striker Ronan Murray - will all be in action tonight.

And Brown revealed it was the trio’s last chance to impress.

“We’ve seen good pictures from them but this is the last time they will appear as trialists,” said Brown.

“I wanted to see them play against tougher opposition before making a final decision and after tonight we will be letting them know if we want to sign them.”

Tonight’s game starts at 7.45pm and more than 4,000 tickets have been sold.