Akpo Sodje is prepared to play the waiting game as he edges closer to his first start of the 2009/10 campaign.

The Sheffield Wednesday striker has made five league appearances so far this season, all from the bench. Sodje continues to build his fitness levels and is taking each proverbial game as it comes as a result.

He told Wednesday Player: "It's good to be out on the pitch because I want to play in every game for as long as I can.

"That is the aim but I have to be patient because the strikers we have at the moment have been doing well. There are advantages to coming off the bench but, of course, it is better to start the game.

"Hopefully, I will get my first start soon. I am ready to start and waiting for the call but I will wait patiently to get my chance."

Sodje is patently aware that this season could be of huge importance given his current contract expires next summer.

But the talismanic forward is focusing his efforts squarely on making an impression on the pitch, a by-product of which would then be - fingers crossed - the offer of a new deal.

He said: "This is the last year of my contract but I am not thinking too much about that right now. I want to do my talking on the pitch because then everything else should take care of itself."

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