Ranger returns to Newcastle as injury ends his Oakwell loan spell

Ranger, who was due to stay at Oakwell until January 14, limped off in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at West Ham United.

Manager Keith Hill said: “He is looking at the possibility of extensive rehabilitation, partly with Newcastle, partly with us. He’s gone back to Newcastle to have scans but there is no break.”

Ranger had made five appearances for the Tykes without scoring but Hill was impressed with his performances.

“A month’s loan could quite easily have turned into three months but it looks like we might not get the opportunity to get him to a fit stage to play week-in, week-out.

“There’s a possibility that he will come back, we will just have to see what January brings. It’s unfortunate because I think there is a real player in there.

“Somewhere he has gone off track but we could have given him the opportunity to get back on track.”

Hill, meanwhile, is confident that midfielder Danny Drinkwater will be returning to the club on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

Drinkwater suffered a thigh injury against Ipswich Town on December 10 and will be missing for the Boxing Day clash with Blackpool.

But Hill says the 21-year-old is keen to return to Oakwell and talks with United have reached an advanced stage.

“We’re very hopeful, but we won’t say we have bagged it until it’s signed, sealed, and delivered.

“He is happy playing here and has an opportunity to spend a season in the Championship. It is important for him to improve, to learn and get experience for the next phase of his career, and I don’t think there’s anywhere better for him to do that.”

Agent Willie McKay has confirmed that former Liverpool midfielder Damien Plessis is set to join Doncaster Rovers on loan from Greek club Panathinaikos until the end of the season.