Ranger was at the city’s Crown Court today to deny the offence, alleged to have happened in Newcastle on January 23 this year.
The striker, who now plays for Swindon Town in League One, will go on trial in January next year.
A hearing will be held in a fortnight to determine where the trial will take place.
Ranger, of Gordon Gardens, Swindon, who wore a black leather jacket for the hearing, was granted bail.