Oldham Athletic AFC vs Southend United - Brown faces late decision over Ranger

Posted Friday, December 16, 2016 by PA

Southend manager Phil Brown will make a decision on whether to include Nile Ranger against Oldham after the striker appeared in court having been charged with fraud and money laundering.

The 25-year-old, who pleaded not guilty at Highbury Magistrates Court and will face another hearing in January, remains available for selection should Brown feel he is in the right frame of mind to face Latics in Sky Bet League One.

The Shrimpers report no fresh injury problems from last weekend's win at Coventry, which extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in League One.

Forward David Mooney and defender Ben Coker remain out with respective ankle problems, while on-loan centre-back Ryan Inniss has a shoulder injury and continues his rehabilitation back at parent club Crystal Palace.

Midfielder Ousmane Fane will begin a two-match suspension for Oldham.

The 23-year-old was dismissed for the second time this season last weekend against Oxford and will not be back until Latics face Fleetwood on New Year's Eve.

Fane will have to come out of the XI that faced Walsall in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday and Paul Green, rested in midweek, is in line to feature.

Veteran midfielder Lee Croft is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench and scoring against the Saddlers.