Southend United Football Club News

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12,392

Sodje back for Shrimpers

21 Sep 2006 - 10:58:04

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Southend United's veteran central defender Efe Sodje returned to action for the first time since April in the 3-2 Carling Cup second round win over Brighton.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined with a serious leg injury, but was able to last the whole 90 minutes of the victory over the Seagulls at Roots Hall.

Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson told the club's official website: "Efe did well and it was nice for him to get 90 minutes under his belt for the first time in so long."

However, summer signing Michael Ricketts is still several weeks away from his Shrimpers debut as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Tilson added: "It's hard to put a time on it, but I can't see him being back any sooner than in two weeks' time.

"His Achilles is looking okay, but it is just a case of getting his physical fitness up now."