MARK Molesley insists Nile Ranger has not been training with Southend United.

The former Shrimpers striker returned to Boots & Laces to work on his fitness.

But Molesley has now clarified he did not do so alongside the rest of the club's players.

"He’s never trained with our squad," confirmed Molesley.

"I’ve met Nile and spoken to him a few times.

"He’s a great character and a great football player but he’s been absent a long time.

"I’ve had a couple of phone calls and helped him out with some fitness work.

"It’s tough times for everyone and anyone I can help to get back fit or speak to I always will.

"That one has been fabricated a little bit because he was never training with us unfortunately."

Ranger, who scored 10 goals in 49 games for Blues, has been without a League club since leaving the Shrimpers in January 2018.

But Molesley feels the 29-year-old is looking to get back into the game.

"He's another one who is probably missing his football," said the Blues boss.

"He’s a big character and, on his day, a fantastic player but he’s got a lot to do to be able to get on the football pitch.

"He’s been training alone and he’s looking to get back fit and maybe revisit football when he’s in a good place.

"When you’ve been out a long time it’s not like a normal pre-season.

"You’ve got a big backlog of work to catch up on and this game isn’t getting any slower.

"It’s getting physically sharper and tougher so there’s a lot of work you have to do to be able to train with Southend.

"It’s not just an open door for anyone to walk in.

"You have to earn your place to come in and train here."