NILE Ranger has made it known he has put contract talks on hold for the time being as he tries for force his way into Chris Hughton’s team.

The Newcastle striker has started both United’s Carling Cup ties this season, netting in a 4-3 victory at Chelsea in the last round, and is expected to make the first XI when Arsenal arrive on Tyneside for next week’s fourth round contest.

But the 19-year-old frontman has only six minutes of Premier League experience to his name this term.

Ranger replaced an out-ofsorts James Perch to get his first ever taste of top flight action at the weekend as United came from 2-0 behind to snatch a draw in injury time.

The north Londoner has been champing at the bit to be involved as United strive to preserve their Premier League status, but says he is prepared to be patient and wait for his chance.

“I got back for pre-season training and got my head down and worked hard,” said Ranger, who still has another season left on his contract after this one. “And since then I’ve got a couple of reserve games and League Cup games under my belt, where I played well.

“I’m on the fringes and I’m just waiting for my chance really, and it is up to me to take it when it comes.

“Hopefully I’ll get a few more games under my belt this season like I did in the Championship last season.

The team is strong as everybody knows and I’ll just have to wait my turn.”

Meanwhile, Danny Simpson got another hour of reserve team football under his belt yesterday.

The defender got his third run out as part of Peter Beardsley’s second XI, which beat Bolton 4-1, behind closed doors at Darsley Park, thanks to goals from Joan Edmundsson, Sammy Ameobi and Phil Airey (2).

Newcastle: Soderberg, Simpson (Richardson 64), Ferguson, Donaldson, Tavernier, Dummett, Newton, McLaughlin, Airey (Sam Ameobi 80), Vuckic, Edmundsson (Adjei 84). Subs (not used): Mitchell, Folan.