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NEWCASTLE United star Nile Ranger was quizzed by club officials yesterday after he posed "like a gangster" with a GUN. The Toon striker, 20, was photographed holding the chrome handgun while messing about with pals before a night out. The Sun showed the snap to the shocked Premier League club which launched an immediate inquiry. England U19 player Ranger - who came on as a substitute in Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Chelsea yesterday - is a former gang member who was once locked up over a mugging. But he had vowed to change his ways.Last night a source revealed the picture was taken after four pals visited Newcastle from London. The source added: "Someone spotted this bulge in the waistband of one of the bloke's trousers. "He was a bit of a hardcase and pulled out this gun. It was passed around and Nile struck up a pose like a gangster and tried to look like a real tough guy."A spokesman for Newcastle United said: "The club have spoken to Nile and can confirm that the item shown in the photograph is a replica firearm which is not an offence to own. "Nile regrets posing for the photograph, which was taken by his girlfriend at home." But Mothers Against Violence campaigner Patsy McKie, whose son was shot dead in Manchester, said: "Footballers are an example to young boys. He probably thought this was a bit of fun, but guns tear people's lives apart." Ranger, of North London, told after signing for Newcastle in 2008 how he was sent to a young offenders' institution for 11 weeks when he was just 15. He said: "I started running with a gang. We were convicted of street robbery in Muswell Hill. There was a weapon but we didn't use it. "Jail was pretty rough but it taught me a lot. The most important thing I learned is that I never want to go back." He signed for Southampton but was kicked out over his bad behaviour - getting two written warnings and being caught with first-team kit he wanted to give to friends. But he insisted: "Coming up to Newcastle has completely changed my life."