Gradi praises Sodje's attitude

CREWE ALEXANDRA manager Dario Gradi has praised Nigerian international defender Efetobore Sodje's attitude since returning from this year's World Cup.

The African was facing the likes of Gabriel Batistuta and Michael Owen whilst in Korea and Japan.

However, Sodje failed to secure a move away from Gresty Road following the prestigious tournament, and is now back in England playing in the Second Division.

Gradi made his comments after playing the 29-year-old former Macclesfield and Luton Town ace for the reserves in their 9-0 hammering of Stafford Rangers.

"Sodje's attitude and application was admirable when you consider he was playing in the World Cup a few months ago, yet on Wednesday he was turning out against Stafford Rangers' reserves side," commented Gradi.

"He put in a good professional performance, and I might have to alter my thinking about where best to play him as he showed he could play full back for Nigeria."