Efe Sodje's Colchester United career is hanging in the balance after his latest international call-up.

The U's defender has been called into the Nigeria squad again to play the second leg of the World Cup qualifier against Eritrea in Lagos on April 22.

It means Sodje - who won his first international cap last weekend - will miss the U's derby clash against Cambridge United and the trip to Wrexham over the Easter period.

The former Luton defender is only on a short-term contract at Layer Road and this latest call-up has done nothing to improve his chances of an extended deal.

U's boss Steve Whitton said: "When he signed I was led to believe he would only be away for the one match in Eritrea at the weekend. I'm slightly annoyed because it means he will miss two vital games over the Easter period.

"It certainly affects your decisions when things like this happen and I will have to think carefully before signing this type of player in future. It will soften the blow if we can be sure of Second Division safety before that time, but nothing's certain.

"In future I will have to check on a country's fixtures when I sign players like Sodje because they are needed for the club's league programme."

Sodje is expected to jet out to Lagos with Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu and Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro in the middle of next week.

Ironically, by the time the season is out, 27-year-old Sodje may be established as the U's most-capped player after having played just two games for the club.

So far he has played against Gillingham and Luton, and there are no guarantees he will be in the starting line-up at Wycombe on Saturday.

By the time he gets back from international duty, Whitton may have made up his mind on the future of the Greenwich-born defender.

And that could mean his U's career will be over after just two appearances.

Barry Ferguson, on loan from Coventry City, will continue to deputise in Sodje's absence, but he could also stay in the side for the visit to Adams Park.

Meanwhile, Gavin Johnson (achilles tendon) should be fit in time to face Lawrie Sanchez's mid-table team.

David Greene, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to begin training next week after recovering from a troublesome ankle injury.

Former U's bosses Jock Wallace and Jim Smith have been voted in the top 50 greatest managers of all-time by readers of Total Football magazine.

Bandana man - Efetobore Sodje.

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