Power Ranger Nile opens his account
NILE Ranger was in seventh heaven after finally opening his Newcastle United account – and silencing his team-mates.
The striker struck his first goal for the club in last night's 2-0 win over Coventry City, tapping in from close range after Jose Enrique crossed from the left, to put the gloss on a seventh successive victory.
The only thing missing from Ranger's performances this season has been goals, with the teenager's energy and enthusiasm having created chances for others.
And the Londoner told of his relief after the game, having revealed his barren spell in front of goal had become the butt of dressing room jokes.
"The lads have been giving me loads of stick, so I'm absolutely buzzing," said Ranger.
"My team-mates have been calling me Nil Ranger, so I had to put one away!
"They've been taking the micky out of me something rotten, so now they can't use that one any more.
"And I'm keen to show them I can keep on doing it."
Ranger scored in front of United's 4,000-strong travelling contingent, but he kept his emotions in check, aware that he still has a long way to go before he is a regular.
The England Under-19 international went on: "There'll be no big-time celebrations from me.
"It's only my first goal for Newcastle so I must keep it real. I just want to score my goals, put my hands in the air in front of the fans and then try to get more.
"I was so happy it came at the end where the Newcastle fans were. They've been great to me, and it was a thank you for all that support.
"They have been waiting for me to score. They were roaring by the end, and this moment was the best of my career so far."
Ranger – who made his senior bow West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season – has had his chances to get off the mark.
He added: "As a striker, chances do come and go, but once you get one, then they keep coming."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
