SOUTHEND United striker Nile Ranger insists he will be fit to face Portsmouth this weekend - despite his ‘dodgy’ ankles.

Ranger limped off towards the end of the Shrimpers’ 2-0 win against Colchester United last Tuesday.

But the forward believes he will be available at Fratton Park.

“I have dodgy ankles and I think they’re made of chocolate but Benji (physio Ben Clarkson) will strap them up and I’m sure I will be fine for Saturday,” said Ranger.

“When I go up for a header I don’t ever land flat-footed, I land at a funny angle and sometimes it doesn’t end well.

“It was really bad at Sheffield United last season and I rolled it against Colchester just like I did in the game at Billericay.

“Sometimes you’re able to run it off but other times it hurts too much and it was like that against Colchester.

“But since then I’ve been icing it and I’ve rested up so I’m sure I’ll be fine for Saturday which is good because it’s another big game.”

Blues head to Hampshire sitting 12th in the League One table, level on points with Portsmouth who sit one place higher due to their superior goal difference.

And Ranger is ready to play whatever part in the game Shrimpers boss Phil Brown decides will be best.

“I’ll work as hard as possible and do what I can to help the team but it’s up to the manager if I start or come on as sub,” said Ranger, who has been on the bench for the Shrimpers’ last four League games.

“It’s obviously a big game against a big club who not so long ago were in the Premier League and won the FA Cup.

“It will be a good atmosphere but we have a lot of good, experienced strikers so the manager will decide what’s best.

“I’ll be looking to help in anyway I can but we all know this will be a very difficult game for us.”