Ranger: “I’m desperate to get my first goal.”

Posted on November 25th, 2009 | 9 Comments |

Ranger: "I'm loving it!"
Ranger: "I'm loving it!"
Newcastle United’s young striker, Nile Ranger, has been speaking about breaking into the first team to the club’s official site.

In his interview, he talked about his role this season as an ‘impact’ substitute, usually coming on after around an hour to shake things up when opposing defences get tired, and the Toon often need a goal to secure three points.

On breaking in to the first team he said:

“I’m still only eighteen and this is my first season playing first team football and I’m loving it!” he enthused, carrying on:

“It’s great when I start and I think I’ve done quite well in all of the games I’ve played.

But on the dearth of starting places so far he added:

“But if the manager wants to use me from the bench then I have to give everythiong I’ve got when I do come on.

“It’s been good that the few times I’ve came on and we’ve been drawing we always seem to win.

“Every minute I get is excellent experience and it’s great to be part of this squad right now.”

Many fans who have seen him have admired his good work so far. Though a first senior goal still eludes him, it has been largely his hold-up play, good technique and his creation of chances for other players that have played a big part in him earning such esteem in what has been a very short time on the pitch. On the lack of goals, Ranger said:

“I’ve not really had that many chances, but I’m desperate to get my first goal and I feel I’m getting closer”

Of course it would be nice for him to score as many goals as possible, but those who create, and make space for others to score can be just as important. As for the clamour for him to start games, Ranger, despite his undoubted quality and potential is still a VERY inexperienced 18 year old who should be fed into the first team gradually, just as David Moyes did with a 17 year old Wayne Rooney at Everton.

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9 Responses

  1. Class attitude again from the younger players. Can only do him good when Harewood seems to be out of favour with the fans.

    No doubt Ranger has a world of potential. People put him down for his lack of goals but it must be stressed he’s only young, getting into better positions comes through experience and time. At the same time, he’s clearly got the drive, talent and touch to make it. I’d love to see him make a career at the club but only fear he’s going to turn into another asset we feel we can sell.

  2. Ranger,  one for the future, we should be blooding him in this division at every opportunity.
    Bring him on for ten to fifteen minutes in situations that are not critical, where we are leading.
    Dont  forget  the  kid is only eighteen and not yet fully developed, should be working on upper body strength, as we all are aware how physical it can be in both leagues.
    But like Kadar, give them both time, but not as starters.
    The fact we are in the second tier may be a blessing for  some of the youngsters, most of which would`nt get on the pitch were we  in the PL.
    However we must remember most are as yet,   not ready.
     

  3. i like him he has great potential he seems to have everything or will when he learns to score but he has plenty of time to learn that

  4. Great young player already, but could explode onto the scene in a big way if he starts scoring. He basically has everything else. You can see he’s anxious when in front of goal though, so hopefully a goal would calm those nerves.

    Rumours persist about Aston Villa’s clause in the loan contract for Harewood, that he must play so many games. Would certainly explain lack of involvement for Ranger. I see no reason why he shouldn’t actually start more games. He doesn’t have to start them all.

  5. His pace and selfless running make him a greater contributor to the overall team effort – and helps to make up for the lack of pace in midfield.

    Another player who the so-called “big clubs” will be sniffing around soon….especially if we fail to secure promotion……

  6. I think he’s the best kid to come through since Gazza. He does have to develop his strength and sometimes he seems a little slow off the mark. Just that first reaction as the ball heads toward him. However that will come as he develops his game and gets experience against bigger faster defenders than he’s used to. He’s going to be a top class player!
    I guess Hughton is holding him back – there’s no other explanation for choosing Harewood (unless it is contractual). He is utterly useless and I remember Reilly and Whitehurst!

  7. got to make you nervy I think, he has got a lot of hopes up and is looking good for it, once the first one goes in I think we’ll see a lot more from him
    I don’t agree that he’s not ready because he’s young, every game he has played he’s looked like he belonged and he’s been a huge asset to the team
    stick at it lad, you’re doing everything right and that 1st is just on the horizon
    8)