BROWN KEEPS POWER RANGER HAPPY WITH SOFT DRINKS

WIMBLEDON 0 SOUTHEND 2 LEAGUE ONE

PHIL BROWN claimed the hottest scoring streak of Nile Ranger’s career is down to taking the former Newcastle star out for a drink.

But the Southend boss warned his striker he is in the last-chance saloon, if he lets his team-mates down again as they chase promotion to the Championship.

The Londoner has made more headlines off the pitch during his career, most recently in January when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was suspended by the Shrimpers.

The 25-year-old has vowed to “repay the faith” shown by the club – and scored his fourth goal in five games with a superb 35th-minute strike against woeful Wimbledon.

Ranger (celebrating, right) was also involved in Simon Cox’s 63rd-minute goal as Southend moved three points clear in sixth place.

Brown, who celebrated his fourth anniversary in charge, said: “We have just got to keep him on the straight and narrow. That is easier said than done. He is a rare breed. You don’t deal with him the way you deal with everyone else. I go out for a drink with him.

“That is the only way you can do it. Soft drinks only!

“He has to understand he is involved now in a team sport. And, whenever he lets himself down, he lets his team-mates down, and I can’t afford for that to happen.”