NILE Ranger has signed a new three and a half year deal at Southend United.

The powerful striker has made an impressive start to the season with the Shrimpers.

And he is thrilled to have penned an extended deal at Roots Hall.

“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Southend,” said Ranger.

“From day one everyone at the club – the fans, the manager, coaching staff and my team mates – have been first class with me.

“I also want to say a special thank you to the chairman who has worked all hours with my agent to reach an agreement.

“I am back doing what I love and remain focused on doing the best I can for this football club.”

The influential player has scored twice in nine appearances since joining Blues in the summer and Phil Brown’s side have yet to a lose a game he has started this term.

The former Newcastle United forward remains intent on rebuilding his career with the Shrimpers following a number of misdemeanours off the pitch which kept him out of football for almost two years.

But Brown handed the 25-year-old an opportunity to impress.

And the Blues boss is delighted to have handed Ranger an extended deal.

“I’m absolutely over the moon that Nile that signed a new three and a half year contract at the football club,” said Brown.

“We’ve gone about things the right way and gave him the month deal to begin with so we good have a look at his fitness, his quality and his attitude.

“We’re mindful of the fact Nile has a history but we want his future to be bright and we want the future of the football club to be bright as well.”

“The quality he has is there for all to see and he makes a big difference to the team when he’s playing.

“I also feel there is still more to come from him and that’s also very positive from our point of view.

“But he has to keep this going and maintain these kind of standards but on and off the pitch.”

Ranger’s new deal will see him contracted to the club until the summer of 2020.