On-loan defender Sam Sodje is revelling in his role at Leeds United - just months after being told he may never play again.

A complicated knee injury resulted in the Reading defender being told to consider quitting football, but Sodje simply laughed off the specialist's advice and says he is determined to enjoy every minute of his career.

"People who know my story will be happy that I am playing again because four months ago a doctor told me I might not play again and I should maybe take up something else," said Sam.

"I had a complicated cartilage injury so I had to go to a very good surgeon in London to sort it out.

"When I was told I just laughed and said 'no I don't think so'. It's so good to be playing again because it has been a hard couple of months. Now I feel fine and strong.

"Football is my life. If I'd had to pack in league football I would have played in the Conference or something because I love it so much."

The Nigerian international, who is set to make the second appearance of his loan spell at Colchester on Saturday, also takes inspiration from his footballing family.

The Sodje name is well-known in footballing circles - Leeds fans will remember Efe, who played against the club for Southend and also had a spell at Huddersfield - and football is the family trait.

"There's 10 of us and we all grew up in the same home," Sam said of his brothers. 

"We are very close and from a young age it was all football, football, football.

"All my brothers play, other than my eldest brother (Bright) who played professional rugby league for Hull KR and Sheffield."

Sam wasted little time in making an impression at the club, following his arrival from Reading.

He received two standing ovations on his debut against MK Dons - the first after he hobbled to the sidelines to receive treatment - and he also made an impact afterwards when he said the FA should promote the club to the Premiership.

"They haven't been in contact about that," he laughed. "But hopefully we can get out of this league. That's what counts.

"It isn't about me or individuals. It's all about winning promotion and if Leeds can do that, I will be happy."

See more from Sam and watch Simon Grayson's pre-match Press Conference...