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| Defender Efe Sodje has paid tribute to physio John Stannard in getting him back on his feet following his goal against QPR last night | |
Defender Efe Sodje has dedicated his first goal of the season to Blues Physio John Stannard he told Blues TV.
Nigerian Sodje headed home Southend's third goal last night as Blues cruised to a comfortable 5-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers.
Blues were 2-0 up - before Sodje added a third - with Kevin Maher completing the rout with two injury time thunderbolts.
And having spent five months out injured last year with a broken leg, Sodje has gifted his goal to an unsung hero at Roots Hall, John Stannard.
"When I came in today I said to the Physio that if I score I was going to dedicate the goal to him (John Stannard) for what he has done for me," said Efe.
"Over the last nine months he has really helped me out when I broke my leg.
"That goal was for Johnny, I told him that I wouldn't celebrate but I'd just stand there and point at him which I did.
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| Fred seems to think we are playing rugby because his shots go over the bar like a conversion. Thank god we can rely on Kevin that's all I can say. |
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"It has been hard since I broke my leg, but I said to myself that no matter what, a broken leg isn't going to keep me down.
"Hats off to Johnny - he has been brilliant - he always makes sure that everybody is fit on time and that was for him."
Speaking of his goal Sodje was never in any doubt that he would find the target against QPR following a number of near misses.
It was Maher's corner that aided Efe in opening his Championship account before the Irishman crashed home two top draw efforts.
The first, a 20-yards shot past Royce, before saving the best for last as he coolly found the top corner from a 25-yard free-kick.
"I said to Kevin to just hang it up there and if my head touches it no keeper will save it," Sodje said confidently.
"Skips' (Kevin Maher) two goals though were unbelievable; it was about time Freddy got off the free-kicks.
"Fred seems to think we are playing rugby because his shots go over the bar like a conversion. Thank god we can rely on Kevin that's all I can say."
