Déjà Vu: It's only Chelsea

Last updated : 30 December 2008 By Shrimpers24
Big Steve has actually done it. And so has Osei. Play against Chelsea that is, while at Notts. County and Charlton receptively.

The 30 year-old Mildenhall appeared in a League Cup third round tie five years ago which his side lost 4-2. Joe Cole was one of the goal scorers that day.

Speaking to the official site he spoke of the excitement felt at the club when the draw was made: "I sat down that day and watched the Histon v Leeds game and when the draw was announced, I got on the phone straight away and spoke to Macca and a few people in my family. We said afterwards that you always hope to get one of the top four teams. You will take anyone out them, but to get any Premier League side always gives you the chance to pit your wits against the best teams and players in your profession. It would have been nice to have drawn Liverpool at Anfield, as I'm a Liverpool supporter, but it will be a great day for the club, a great day for the supporters and a great day for the players that may have never played against a Premier League side before. But when we get there, we won't be looking at it as a day out, we will be looking to do a job and get a positive result out of it."

Meanwhile, recalled right back Osei Sankofa, who joined the Blues on a free transfer during the summer after being released by Charlton Athletic, has endured an indifferent start to life at Roots Hall. The 23-year-old has made only seven starts so far this season and admits to being frustrated by a lack of first team football but believes his more relaxed mind-set these days is a sign of greater things.

Speaking to the Southend Evening Echo Sankfoa said: "I've been pleased with the way I've played lately and I think it's because I've changed the way I've been approaching the games. Earlier on in the season when I got a mini run in the team I put too much pressure on myself to perform. That didn't help my game so this time I've been trying to just take it one match at a time and keep cool about everything. I think it's made a difference and hopefully now I can keep my place in the side for the Chelsea match and beyond. Results haven't been going that well and I thought I deserved an opportunity. Now I've got one it's up to me to make the most of it and that's what I intend to do."

While playing for Charlton he faced Chelsea at the Valley in March 2007 as well as starting at both Manchester United and Arsenal!

Osei remembered it well: "I know what to expect because I've played against them before. We lost 1-0 and Frank Lampard scored but this time it's going to just be a massive day for the football club. We want to go there and give a good account of ourselves and we will certainly be giving 100 per cent to try and cause an upset."