SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has yet to discover the extent of Nile Ranger’s ankle injury.

The striker hobbled off on his Shrimpers debut midway through the first half at Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

But Brown is not sure how long the former Newcastle United forward will be out for.

“Nile limped out after the game with a cast on which I’m hoping was just precautionary but we will know more in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Brown.

“Nile is a big player for us and we showed just why at Sheffield United but I doubt he will play on Saturday against Bristol Rovers.”

David Mooney also hobbled off with a hamstring problem towards the end of Tuesday night’s 3-0 win at Bramall Lane.

But Brown does not expect Mooney to be forced onto the sidelines.

“David’s hamstring tightened up but it was more cramp than anything else,” said the Blues chief.

“He will be fine.”