Newcastle terminate Ranger deal

Hamilton have doubts over forwards Jon McShane and Andy Ryan ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against Falkirk.

McShane recently returned from a cruciate ligament injury but has suffered a minor tweak in his other knee, while Ryan has a knock.

Accies manager Billy Reid will assess both players ahead of the game.

Falkirk midfielder Craig Sibbald will miss the game after a setback in his recovery from injury.

The teenager recently fought back from an ankle injury but broke down during an U20 game in midweek.

The Bairns otherwise have a full squad for the trip to New Douglas Park.

The teams are both currently in mid-table in the Irn-Bru First Division and both their league matches at New Douglas Park this term have ended in 1-1 draws.

The 21-year-old was in late January released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape.

A statement from the club on Friday said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Nile Ranger has today left the club by mutual consent."

The England Under-19 international has recently had running battles with Newcastle supporters via social networking site Twitter, but on Friday night used his account simply to say, "I'm happy".

The London-born Ranger came through the ranks at Newcastle, but only five of his 51 league appearances have come as starts, and he has scored just three goals in all competitions since making his debut in 2009.

He has also spent time out on loan at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.

In January, he was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle on the night of January 23/24.

His arrest came after Ranger angered Newcastle fans by criticising them for booing after Newcastle lost to Reading the previous weekend.

He went on to enrage them by apparently spelling his name out in ?20 notes and posting a photo online.