SOUTHEND United do not expect to resolve Nile Ranger's future at the club for a further fortnight.

Echosport revealed last week how the 25-year-old had been suspended by the Shrimpers following a serious breach of club discipline unrelated to his recent court appearance.

And a club statement has now revealed the situation will not be sorted until the end of January.

But the Shrimpers are still refusing to comment on the nature of Ranger's latest indiscretion.

"Nile Ranger is, as many supporters are already aware, provisionally suspended from all first team competitive matches, including friendlies.

"The suspension will remain in place until the FA, and club, have completed their investigations into the circumstances that have led to Nile’s interim suspension and which will also take account of any mitigation.

"The club does not wish to pre-judge the circumstances and awaits the outcome of the Football Association's review and assessment before the club makes its own decision surrounding Nile’s future.

"The club recognises the difficulties Nile Ranger has suffered in the past and, although to a lesser extent, that continue to impact on the present.

"It is therefore fair that the club comes to a decision only when all the facts, and factors, are to hand.

"A negative decision, and consequential termination of Nile’s contract, would effectively undo all the good work the club and manager, Phil Brown, have achieved to date.

"However no player is more important that the club.

"The FA process is likely to take 10-14 days to conclude and the club will therefore hopefully be in a position to bring this matter to a close, one way or another, by the end of January.

"At that time the club will make a further statement."