NILE Ranger could return for Southend United against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.

Ranger has been out since mid-August with the ankle injury he sustained at Sheffield United.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has revealed the striker is now close to making a comeback.

“Nile is making really good progress and he’s very close to being available for selection again, which is good news,” said Brown.

“There’s a chance he could even be able to play some part in the Leyton Orient game on Tuesday before hopefully pushing for a start at Rochdale the following Saturday.

“That’s the plan at this stage but we will have to see how Nile is in training and what our medical people advise us to do.

“But it’s certainly good news that Nile is close to playing again and hopefully he can carry on from where he left off at Sheffield United in his only game for us so far.”

Ranger, who joined Blues on a free transfer in the summer, helped Southend scored three times in the opening 15 minutes at Bramall Lane before hobbling off injured.