Jay Rodriguez got himself off and running at Saints with two goals to shoot down Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary’s.

The £7m man was given a rare chance to start as an out and out striker rather than out on the left with Rickie Lambert one of many first team stars rested for the Capital One Cup third round tie.

And he proved his point with a great turn and strike on 30 minutes and a penalty on 78 minutes to bag his first goals for the club since his summer move and book a place in the last 16 for Saints.

Speaking after the 2-0 win, assistant manager Andy Crosby said: “We know that’s where he’s most comfortable and he’s got good competition in front of him at the moment but whenever you get an opportunity you’ve got to take it and he’s done that.

“Whenever he’s needed we know he’s more than ready.”