SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley has confirmed he is keen to bring Nile Ranger back to the club.

The controversial striker has not played professional football since being released by the Shrimpers in January 2018 for poor time-keeping.

But Ranger has been training at the club in recent weeks and Molesley has told Echosport he would like to the 29-year-old along with experienced defender Joel Lynch.

“Both are in training and if they’re fit enough then hopefully a decision can be made on them but I’d like to bring them in,” said Molesley.

“I’ve been working with Nile behind the scenes away from the group.

“We’ve put him on a fitness programme and he’s worked really hard.

“But it will be up to Nile Ranger. If he wants to carry on and work hard there might be an offer for him.

“It’s still early days but he has been working hard.”

Ranger scored 10 goals in 49 games while with the Shrimpers and could now be given another opportunity to impress.

Lynch, 33, has previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland.

However, the defender has not played since March 2020.