The Newcastle United striker was pulled out of Wednesday’s Under-20 international against France because of a back problem.
Nile Ranger: “My back was killing me at the start of the week.
“I was just doing a few swimming sessions to get back, and it feels sorted now.
“It’s still a bit sore. I could only do a little bit (yesterday), and we’ll see how it feels.
“I hope to be ready if the gaffer throws me in.
“Andy’s gone, and it puts me up the pecking order along with Shola being injured.
“It gives me a chance – and I want to take it. I was shocked when Andy went, I really was.
“He’s a Geordie, and he got the No9 shirt he wanted. He’s supported the club all his life and watched players like Alan Shearer wear that shirt. I thought he’d be here for years to come.
“I don’t know the full situation, but it’s a chance.
“It would have been good being in partnership with Andy, but we still have good strikers – Besty, Peter Lovenkrands and Shefki (Kuqi).”