NILE Ranger has revealed he owed it to everyone at Southend United to sign an extended contract.

The Shrimpers rescued the forward from the soccer scrap-heap in the summer.

And the striker – who had gone close to two years without playing football prior to arriving at Roots Hall – insists he will forever be grateful for the opportunity to rescue his career.

“If it wasn’t for Southend I really don’t know where I would be right now,” said Ranger, 25.

“I was in a very dark, dark place not so long ago and I thought about quite a few things.

“Life in general was hard, no opportunities were coming and it was madness looking back now.

“But luckily I have very thick skin and I had a lot of strong people around me who kept pushing me and told me not to give up on my dream.

“I do love the game but for a while it wasn’t showing me any love back until Southend came along.

“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me and I owe the manager, the chairman, my team-mates and the fans so much because I know they’re all backing me.

“I haven’t had that for a very long time and that’s why I signed this deal.

“I’m happy to have tied myself down for three and a half years and this is a really big thing for me because at one stage I thought my boots would be hung up.”

However, Ranger teamed up with the Shrimpers in the summer and has impressed so far this season, scoring twice in nine appearances.

Blues have also yet to lose with the former Newcastle United forward in the starting line-up.

But he remains keen to impress.

“I’m so hungry to do well and to do well for Southend because nobody else was giving me an opportunity,” said Ranger,  who has now penned a three and a half year deal with Blues.

“I saw in the manager’s eyes straight away that he believed in me and I grabbed this chance with both hands.

“I’m repaying that faith now with the new deal and firmly focused on being a Shrimper.

“I’m not at my best just yet because I’m not fully fit after being out for two years but I’m getting there and I’m enjoying every single second.”

And Ranger – whose career had been blighted by a number of problems off the field – now also feels he is far more professional away from the pitch.

“On the field I’ve always been good but off it I haven’t,” said Ranger.

“I’ve been a fool but I’m taking it seriously now and for the first time I can call myself a professional.”