NILE Ranger would be welcomed by Oxford United’s squad if the controversial striker is offered a contract, according to former teammate Tony McMahon.

The 27-year-old free agent has been training with the U’s for a week and came on as a substitute for their under 23 side in a friendly on Monday.

Boss Karl Robinson, who said Ranger had approached him and “almost begged” for an opportunity, intends to take a closer look as he attempts to add firepower to the squad.

While the head coach stressed a deal was “a million miles away”, the link has been deeply unpopular with many fans.

Ranger’s career has been plagued by off-field trouble.

He spent time in prison last year for fraud and has not played since January, when disciplinary problems saw Southend United terminate his contract.

But McMahon, who has shared a changing room with Ranger for 18 months, has seen a different side of the front man.

And he felt there would be no resistance within the playing squad if a contract was offered by the management.

The U’s full back said: “I played with him at Blackpool and he’s actually not a bad lad at all.

“We’ll wait and see how that one develops over the next couple of weeks.

“People will obviously judge him – he’s not squeaky clean and he’s not going to get away from that.

“His past is his past and if he does come in then he’s part of the squad and we’ll welcome him.

“There’s no doubt about his quality throughout his career.

“He’s played at the highest level – it’s just the off-field stuff.”

While United weigh up their decision on Ranger, they are preparing for Saturday’s trip to Scunthorpe United.

Robinson’s side will attempt to extend their unbeaten Sky Bet League One run to six games – an upturn which has mirrored McMahon’s individual performances.

He endured a rocky start after joining in the summer and then suffered an injury.

September also saw the birth of his third child, Luna, which the 32-year-old also felt made an impact on performances.

But McMahon, who drives back after U’s games to his home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, now feels much more settled.

The right back has come back strongly to help United’s back four keep four clean sheets in five games, while he also set up two goals in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Shrewsbury.

He said: “At the start of the season I was in, I had a little injury and then I was out.

“Then the baby came and it unsettled me really, but I’m back in the groove.

“It’s my third child, the first hat-trick of my career.

“Of course it’s difficult, but you’ve just got to get your head round it.

“Everything’s fine at home and I’m just getting my head down and enjoying my football.”