FORMER Margate defender Sam Sodje is 90 minutes away from facing Wayne Rooney and co in the FA Cup quarter finals, just eight months after leaving the Thanet club.

Sodje joined Brentford on a free transfer in the summer, and the West London club were drawn at home to Manchester United, if they beat Southampton in their sixth round replay next week.

He made the first and scored the other as the Bees came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Premiership strugglers Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.

Sodje's performance grabbed the national headlines and boss Martin Allen said: "Sam's been given his chance of league football here and he has reacted with his attitude and enthusiasm."