NILE Ranger insists he is ‘starving hungry’ to get his career back on track at Southend United.

The 25-year-old striker, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, has been plagued by off the field misdemeanours throughout his career.

But Ranger has now promised to focus on his football and is desperate to reward the faith Blues boss Phil Brown has shown in him.

“The gaffer has put his trust in me and I’m not going to let him down,” said Ranger.

“Not many people would have given me this opportunity but that he did so it’s good.

“My past is my past. I was very young and childish but I’ve grown up now and it’s all about what happens now and in the future that matters.

“I’ll keep my nose clean and I’m working hard because I’m very grateful to the club for this chance.

“And I wouldn’t just say I’m hungry to show what I can do, I would say I’m absolutely starving!”

Ranger – who was fined for criminal damage two years ago - had not played a first-team game of football since November 2014 prior to teaming up with the Shrimpers.

The striker spent seven months absent from former club Blackpool which he later put down to the death of two close friends.

But Ranger is now only interested in performing well for the Shrimpers and he already feels settled at Roots Hall.

“It’s been good and everyone has taken to me,” said the former Newcastle United forward.

“Everyone is like my brother here and I just want to get back out there now.

“Once this injury is done I want to go and do all I can for the team.”

Ranger picked up the ankle problem 24 minutes into his Shrimpers debut at Sheffield United.

The striker caused the Blades problems in the opening exchanges of Blues’ only league win of the season so far.

And he cannot wait to get back onto the pitch.

“I’m not too sure when I’ll be back but I’m getting better and fitter all the time,” said Ranger.

“I was unlucky with the injury because after I came back down from going for a header their defender landed on my ankle. He was off balance and I softened his fall.

“My ankle went numb and I knew straight away something bad had happened.

“But there’s definitely more to come from me and I can’t wait to be playing again.

“The fans have taken to me too and I want to help the team.”