SOUTHEND United have yet to decide whether or not to stand by striker Nile Ranger.

The 25-year-old has been suspended by Blues pending the results of an FA hearing which is understood will be completed this week.

A club spokesman told Echosport that Ranger’s future remains up in the air pending a decision by the football authorities,

And he also questioned the accuracy of reports in the national media which claimed Ranger had taken a recreational drug.

“Any decision by the club surrounding Nile’s future will be made when we know the outcome of the FA inquiry,” said the spokesman.

“However, we can say from what the FA has confirmed to date that the position as reported in the national press is not accurate.

"Southend United will only come to a decision when all the facts are available and The FA decision is to hand”

Ranger, who joined Blues at the start of the season and has scored three goals in 15 games, signed an extended three and half year deal at the start of December.

However, he has not featured since starting the 4-2 defeat against Sheffield United on Saturday January 7.