... to open his Premier League account this season.
Ranger is stuggling to impress manager Alan Pardew ahead of next season, with the Toon boss saying "we need two top class strikers in the summer - that is the priority without doubt".
We've seen so many young Toon strikers trying to break into the team, only to find big-name signings ruin their Newcastle careers: Joe Allen, Andy Hunt, Paul Robinson, Archie Gourlay, Alan Thompson, Darren Huckerby, Paul Brayson, Jamie Coppinger and Michael Chopra.
Each and every one was in the position Ranger is in today ... close to first team glory ... but they never quite made the grade at St James' Park.
The 20-year-old is desperate to score a Premiership goal.
Ranger: “The season’s still been a dream for me so far as a young player.
“It’s been my first season in the Premier League, and coming on as sub at Anfield is big for me. To take on teams like Liverpool in the Premier League is all you can ask.
“I hope that I can put myself in the mind of the manager. Hopefully, the goal will come.
“It’s coming to the end of the season. I don’t know if I’m going to get the chance to score, but I appreciate that the manager sees me as a good player and plays me in games, even from the bench.
“I appreciate what the manager’s done for me.
“I’m still young. I’m only 20, and probably because the fans have seen me around for the last three years they think I’m older. I still have time to learn, and I’m still learning.”
“We know that we’re safe now, so mentally people are thinking towards next season, but everybody has to keep at it,” said Ranger. “We have to keep going and try to finish the season with as many wins as we can.
“We need to pick it up and start knocking the ball about again because it gives you more confidence.”