SOUTHEND United striker Nile Ranger will be free to face Fleetwood Town this weekend.

Ranger’s electronic tag - which he wore after being released from prison last month - is due to be removed on Friday.

And that means the forward - who had also been subjected to a 7pm curfew - will be available this weekend, much to the delight of Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

“It’s good news that Nile is going to be able to play, especially as he’s coming to the end of what we’re calling his pre-season now,” said Brown.

“He missed the Shrewsbury game because of the 7pm curfew he had but he won’t miss Saturday and that’s great because he makes a difference to us.

“He leads the line well and takes the hits for others.

“He occupies defenders and we saw that for Anthony Wordsworth’s goal against Northampton on Saturday.

“Woody showed great class and composure to finish off the opportunity but it came around because their defenders were occupied by Nile.”

Ranger has made three appearances since his 10 week spell behind bars came to an end.

But Brown believes there is still more to come from the striker, who was jailed after pleading guilty to online fraud.

“Nile’s fitness levels are very good at the moment but he will get sharper and stronger the more he plays,” said Brown.

“The bigger picture where Nile is concerned is to make sure he’s on the pitch for more games this season than last and if he can make 40 plus appearances that would be great.

“We’re not out of the woods just yet with him but we have three games coming up in the space of a week and that’s going to be another real test for him.”

Ranger has yet to taste victory since returning to the Shrimpers but will be looking to change that this weekend at the Highbury Stadium.

The striker would not have been able to complete the 552 mile round trip in time had his curfew not been lifted.