Source: Northern_Echo
Ranger fear for Hughton
CHRIS HUGHTON is praying that Newcastles only fit striker, Nile Ranger, emerges unscathed from international duty with England U19s tomorrow evening.
Ranger, who deputised impressively for injured pair Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi in last Mondays victory over Leicester City, is set to feature for Englands youngsters against their Russian counterparts at Shrewsbury.
But an injury to the 18- year-old could leave Hughton with only a half-fit Peter Lovenkrands to call on as he prepares the Magpies for their toughest test of the season so far against free-scoring Cardiff City.
While the Bluebirds include the Championships leading scorer, Michael Chopra, Hughtons strikeforce cannot afford to sustain any more casualties.
Ranger has rapidly become a key figure for the Newcastle caretaker boss, who is eyeing loan deals for Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood and Sunderlands David Healy.
The London-born youngster has scaled the Newcastle pecking order in recent weeks. And he revealed how last seasons move to Tyneside has helped him make a fresh start.
His involvement in gang activity when he was 15 resulted in him spending 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for his involvement in a London street robbery.
He said: Moving to Newcastle has been a breath of fresh air for me. Getting out of London has really helped because being there wasnt the best situation for me at the time. I have made some very good friends up here.
Theres no way I thought that my life could be turned around so quickly. But I wont get carried away. I will keep my feet on the ground.
Newcastles attacking midfielder Ryan Donaldson is also included in Englands squad for tomorrow nights friendly, which is being used as preparation for the U19 World Championships qualifying campaign. Neither youngster is expected back at Newcastles training ground until Thursday.
Tyneside-based businessman Barry Moat is this week hoping to meet senior figures at the club to discuss his proposed takeover.
Moat, a Newcastle season ticket holder, has been the front-runner to buy the club since July, but he has failed to put together a package that would enable him to meet Mike Ashleys asking price.
Ashley has extended his deadline by four weeks to allow Moat to raise the funds and this week Ashley is expected to make a decision over whether to accept Moats latest bid.
