NILE Ranger’s return to action lasted just 11 minutes during Southend United’s drab 0-0 draw with Salford City at Roots Hall.

The controversial striker – who had not played since January 2018 – came on as a second half substitute for the Shrimpers.

But the forward soon had to make way, much to the frustration of manager Mark Molesley.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work with Nile but the worry is it’s hard to recreate that match intensity, that tension in your body, the adrenaline and what not,” said Molesley.

“Unfortunately he’s felt something in his groin and it’s a real shame because he came on and had an impact right away I thought.

"He won three headers in our attacking half and another two in our box.

"He showed how useful he can be."