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Rodriguez states his case to play up front (From Daily Echo)
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Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez states his case to play up front
7:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport
By Simon Peach
Jay Rodriguez
JAY Rodriguez would prefer to play up front for Saints than out wide – but has promised to do his utmost wherever Nigel Adkins selects him.
The 23-year-old striker joined the Premier League new boys for a club record fee in the region of £7m in the summer, but has predominantly been used on the left flank by Adkins.
Rodriguez started in attack for the first time since joining Saints as Sheffield Wednesday were beaten 2-0 in the Capital One Cup third round on Tuesday night.
The former Burnley striker – a League Cup specialist – was the star of the show as he netted both goals in a 2-0 victory that not only helped Saints progress to the last 16 but boosted his chances of becoming a regular in his preferred position. “It was really good for us to get through to the next round and put on a good show for the fans,” Rodriguez said.
“Also for ourselves it builds confidence heading into the game on Saturday [against Everton].
“To get on the pitch is great and to get that amount of minutes is great. I just want to play and to get the two goals was brilliant so I am really chuffed.
“It was nice to get my first goal for the club. It’s a nice feeling to score, especially at St Mary's.
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“I love playing up front. I felt really good playing that role and getting in behind and trying cause the defenders as many problems as I can.
“It is a good feeling to play up front and that is where I like it. It is where I’ve grown up and learned to play, but I will work as hard as I can for the team and play in any position.
“I will try my hardest in any position but, yeah, I do enjoy playing up front.”
Not only has Rodriguez been used out of position by Saints, but he has found playing time limited due to the influx of new players.
After starting against Manchester City and Wigan in Saints’ first two Premier League games, the Burnley-born player has found himself on the bench.
Recent strike signing Emmanuel Mayuka has been preferred to him as a late sub for Rickie Lambert in recent games.
Rodriguez, though, knows the competition for places will only help him.
“It has been very frustrating but in the same sense you are really happy in how the last result was,” he said, referring to Saturday’s 4-1 defeat of Aston Villa – Saints’ first Premier League win this season.
“The lads deserved it and there is great competition for places. It is a healthy competition and it makes you improve as a player and that is what you need as a team.
“We’ve known how good we were deep down and it was proved in the game on Saturday.
“Now we need to look forward to the Everton game and carry on what we have been doing.”
Rodriguez will be hoping for an extended run in the Saints side in the League Cup.
The striker was agonisingly close to a place in the final back in 2008/09.
He scored in the semi-final against Tottenham at Turf Moor, his goal forcing extra time in the second leg as it gave Burnley a 3-0 lead having lost the first leg 4-1 at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham netted twice in extratime, though, to win through to Wembley.
In an earlier round Rodriguez had scored Burnley’s late winner against Premiership club Fulham.
Last season, playing for the Clarets in what was then the Carling Cup , he belted four goals in a 6-3 win against Burton Albion.
Comments(40)
Saintsayer II
says...
7:56am Thu 27 Sep 12
We may struggle to keep hold of J Rod if he is not getting a regular game In At least
Corkonian Saint
says...
7:57am Thu 27 Sep 12
GX Saint
says...
7:58am Thu 27 Sep 12
Southampton boy wrote:T Lee has still got a bad elbow, injured on international duty blah blah blah. About a week away.
Sorry but not in the same legue as Ricky his Pen was lucky but as some would say they all count! and he missed a one on one with keeper, but it could be that he has not had a lot of games that has made him look not so good but time will tell, I still would like to know what has happen to T-Lee and what going to happen to De-riddler will he stay with us!! but on last Sat we looked good and I believe we could get something from Everton FC so COYR's
OSPREYSAINT
says...
8:06am Thu 27 Sep 12
SouthamptonLegend
says...
8:29am Thu 27 Sep 12
Saintsayer II wrote:He's only just joined and he was a signing for the future. Can't see him leaving
Southampton boy Tad Lee has a damaged elbow but should be ok soon according to Crosby We may struggle to keep hold of J Rod if he is not getting a regular game In At least
Over the Edge
says...
8:42am Thu 27 Sep 12
Who'd have thought it,a few years ago Saints would paying £7 million for youngster who doesn't automatically get start in the 1st team.
Wonderful times for the club and all us supporters.
RedArmy1
says...
9:33am Thu 27 Sep 12
Cup games are tailor made for such decisions.
Look - with wet spam AWAY tickets up for grabs and the supporters getting behind the MIGHTY SOUTHAMPTON - the expectation and demand is to move UP THE PREMIER LEAGUE.
everton are no mugs - but we must get off to a good start and set up stall to WIN the game. leeds out worked and out battled them recently and the Supporters will want to see the same type of dedication in battle to take the points at the weekend.
More than ever - every game counts. There is no difference between HOME and AWAY games and last weeks result proves we can cut it and do well in the PREMIER LEAGUE.
RED ARMY. FIGHT AND WIN.
UP THE PREMIER LEAGUE WE GO.
george chivers
says...
9:51am Thu 27 Sep 12
George Chivers
RIP
"You are right 'arry of course I will."
arrythecrook
says...
10:14am Thu 27 Sep 12
george chivers wrote:So no more exclusives like Di Matteo the next manager or the club cannot afford a new computer system.George always talked b**llocks I should know I have to listen to it every Friday night in the pub.
George Chivers poster on this site for 2.5 years passed away yesterday evening at 18:15.
George Chivers
RIP
"You are right 'arry of course I will."
See you tomorrow George
george chivers
says...
10:47am Thu 27 Sep 12
arrythecrook wrote:A spokesman for George Chivers made this statement.
george chivers wrote:So no more exclusives like Di Matteo the next manager or the club cannot afford a new computer system.George always talked b**llocks I should know I have to listen to it every Friday night in the pub.
George Chivers poster on this site for 2.5 years passed away yesterday evening at 18:15.
George Chivers
RIP
"You are right 'arry of course I will."
See you tomorrow George
'arry in this time of great distress for
George's widow and family I would ask you to show a little "Respect" for the deceased. After all 'arry, George did have to put with you rabbiting on about Harry all the time. It will be a weight off of his mind not to have to put up that any more. Notice I have avoided using expletives. I have risen above your rude comments. Mind you an that's easy thing to do when you are dead.
Rolling the stone away was the hard bit.
See you at the wake tomorrow 'arry!
WECOMING4U
says...
11:01am Thu 27 Sep 12
Lets smash Everton.
Mush On The Beach
says...
11:08am Thu 27 Sep 12
george chivers wrote:I for one am confused, but I'll have a drink for you George all the same
arrythecrook wrote:A spokesman for George Chivers made this statement.
george chivers wrote:So no more exclusives like Di Matteo the next manager or the club cannot afford a new computer system.George always talked b**llocks I should know I have to listen to it every Friday night in the pub.
George Chivers poster on this site for 2.5 years passed away yesterday evening at 18:15.
George Chivers
RIP
"You are right 'arry of course I will."
See you tomorrow George
'arry in this time of great distress for
George's widow and family I would ask you to show a little "Respect" for the deceased. After all 'arry, George did have to put with you rabbiting on about Harry all the time. It will be a weight off of his mind not to have to put up that any more. Notice I have avoided using expletives. I have risen above your rude comments. Mind you an that's easy thing to do when you are dead.
Rolling the stone away was the hard bit.
See you at the wake tomorrow 'arry!
Mush On The Beach
says...
11:15am Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction
says...
11:15am Thu 27 Sep 12
upwherewebelong
says...
11:47am Thu 27 Sep 12
Southampton boy wrote:Not sure how you can honestly compare the two at this stage as J Rod hasn't had nearly enough game time. Clearly Ricky is a fans favourite for good reason but how can you say he's not in the same league as Ricky before he's even played 10 games ???? plus take into account his age compared to Ricky. The thing that saddens me about Saints fans most is they choose their favourites then anyone else doesn't have a chance. I support a TEAM not just individual players. But hey that's just my own opinion
Sorry but not in the same legue as Ricky his Pen was lucky but as some would say they all count! and he missed a one on one with keeper, but it could be that he has not had a lot of games that has made him look not so good but time will tell, I still would like to know what has happen to T-Lee and what going to happen to De-riddler will he stay with us!! but on last Sat we looked good and I believe we could get something from Everton FC so COYR's
Confucious
says...
11:53am Thu 27 Sep 12
OSPREYSAINT wrote:I have a smidge of info....
Not much of a story really we have been discussing it for a while, I would rather be told about Yoshida getting married and Lallana becoming a dad!
At the hospital Adam was told the baby looked just like him - but then they turned it the right way up. He couldn't tell the reporter what the baby's name is saying "Dunno - can't understand a word he says." Nigel has helped him manage by explaining all he needs to do is get lots in at one end and keep a clean sheet at the other.
Yosh's English teacher, who's been married for 25 obviously long years told him that marriage isn't a word, it's a sentence. He also said he needn't worry about avoiding earthquakes in Japan now he's married as the fastest thing in the world to find a fault is a wife.
OSPREYSAINT
says...
12:10pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Confucious wrote:Was it true Arsene Wenger was present at the birth waving his cheque book? They get 'em young these days.
OSPREYSAINT wrote:I have a smidge of info....
Not much of a story really we have been discussing it for a while, I would rather be told about Yoshida getting married and Lallana becoming a dad!
At the hospital Adam was told the baby looked just like him - but then they turned it the right way up. He couldn't tell the reporter what the baby's name is saying "Dunno - can't understand a word he says." Nigel has helped him manage by explaining all he needs to do is get lots in at one end and keep a clean sheet at the other.
Yosh's English teacher, who's been married for 25 obviously long years told him that marriage isn't a word, it's a sentence. He also said he needn't worry about avoiding earthquakes in Japan now he's married as the fastest thing in the world to find a fault is a wife.
Polomintno1
says...
1:10pm Thu 27 Sep 12
hedge end bob
says...
1:27pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Mush On The Beach wrote:Me as well, but then i'm 69. please explain.
george chivers wrote:I for one am confused, but I'll have a drink for you George all the same
arrythecrook wrote:A spokesman for George Chivers made this statement.
george chivers wrote:So no more exclusives like Di Matteo the next manager or the club cannot afford a new computer system.George always talked b**llocks I should know I have to listen to it every Friday night in the pub.
George Chivers poster on this site for 2.5 years passed away yesterday evening at 18:15.
George Chivers
RIP
"You are right 'arry of course I will."
See you tomorrow George
'arry in this time of great distress for
George's widow and family I would ask you to show a little "Respect" for the deceased. After all 'arry, George did have to put with you rabbiting on about Harry all the time. It will be a weight off of his mind not to have to put up that any more. Notice I have avoided using expletives. I have risen above your rude comments. Mind you an that's easy thing to do when you are dead.
Rolling the stone away was the hard bit.
See you at the wake tomorrow 'arry!
hedge end bob
says...
1:39pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Rickie is our no . 1 at the moment but even the best needs a helping hand sometimes. As a club we are fortunate to have them both to pick from and whoever wears the shirt , i am sure is supported by the other.
Together we stand to journey forward and upwards.
St Retford
says...
1:43pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction
says...
1:51pm Thu 27 Sep 12
St Retford wrote:Can't make it.
Right, who's going to Everton and where are you drinking beforehand?
Do you know anyone who needs a ticket as I've got 3 for sale
OSPREYSAINT
says...
1:56pm Thu 27 Sep 12
hedge end bob
says...
2:04pm Thu 27 Sep 12
OSPREYSAINT wrote:OSPREY were did you get this from??
Corky is out for 4 to 6 weeks, that is a blow.
Been on the Saints site ( what a crap site it is. ) cant see it on there.
OSPREYSAINT
says...
2:05pm Thu 27 Sep 12
hedge end bob wrote:not606.com
OSPREYSAINT wrote:OSPREY were did you get this from??
Corky is out for 4 to 6 weeks, that is a blow.
Been on the Saints site ( what a crap site it is. ) cant see it on there.
St Retford
says...
2:06pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction wrote:Sadly not.
St Retford wrote:Can't make it.
Right, who's going to Everton and where are you drinking beforehand?
Do you know anyone who needs a ticket as I've got 3 for sale
Why can't you make it? Let's see if the combined wisdom of the board can help get you out of whatever commitment has sprung up in the place where football should be.
seventh-junction
says...
2:13pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Busmans Holiday for me a my mates this weekend I'm afraid.
St Retford
says...
2:26pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction
says...
2:29pm Thu 27 Sep 12
St Retford wrote:I'll be working my nuts off with them and making the bacon sarnies and tea!
Get someone else to let them in?
St Retford
says...
2:34pm Thu 27 Sep 12
spyware
says...
2:57pm Thu 27 Sep 12
hedge end bob wrote:Having just returned playing after his ankle injury and now out between 4 to 6 weeks with a knee problem.
OSPREYSAINT wrote: Corky is out for 4 to 6 weeks, that is a blow.OSPREY were did you get this from?? Been on the Saints site ( what a crap site it is. ) cant see it on there.
Not having a great deal of luck is he
hedge end bob
says...
3:03pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction wrote:Get the wife on the door and bacon sarnies, tell her what needs doing with the trades coming in and put her in charge. They like nothing better than being in charge. Then do your bits sunday in a happy mood after watching Saints beat the toffees.!!!!
St Retford wrote:I'll be working my nuts off with them and making the bacon sarnies and tea!
Get someone else to let them in?
Strasbourg Saint
says...
3:25pm Thu 27 Sep 12
hedge end bob wrote:Yep! Tell her you're just popping out to get the toffees.
seventh-junction wrote:Get the wife on the door and bacon sarnies, tell her what needs doing with the trades coming in and put her in charge. They like nothing better than being in charge. Then do your bits sunday in a happy mood after watching Saints beat the toffees.!!!!
St Retford wrote:I'll be working my nuts off with them and making the bacon sarnies and tea!
Get someone else to let them in?
When you get home at midnight after a few post-match celebratory beers with Retford, just make sure you remembered to call at Sainsbury's to buy a huge tin of Quality Street.
seventh-junction
says...
3:45pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Strasbourg Saint wrote:All good plans chaps but Mrs J7 knows all the tricks in the annuals of J7's long and illustrious football days out and will suss on. Especially when I don't turn up until the early hours of Sunday morning completely bladded and without any toffees!!
hedge end bob wrote:Yep! Tell her you're just popping out to get the toffees.
seventh-junction wrote:Get the wife on the door and bacon sarnies, tell her what needs doing with the trades coming in and put her in charge. They like nothing better than being in charge. Then do your bits sunday in a happy mood after watching Saints beat the toffees.!!!!
St Retford wrote:I'll be working my nuts off with them and making the bacon sarnies and tea!
Get someone else to let them in?
When you get home at midnight after a few post-match celebratory beers with Retford, just make sure you remembered to call at Sainsbury's to buy a huge tin of Quality Street.
Strasbourg Saint
says...
3:50pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction
says...
3:58pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Strasbourg Saint wrote:There is one consolation though Strassie. We have managed to get our West Ham tickets by buying the Everton ones so our cunning plan has worked even though we could end up out of pocket.
J7, in short, you're stuffed. Wish I could take the tickets. Never been to Goodison.
Plus we now have more chance of getting our tickets for QPR, Liverpool and Norwich and other games we have ear marked.
J7 and the Woolston Connection are once again mobilised for some great away days after the disappointment of missing out on the Emirates
seventh-junction
says...
4:00pm Thu 27 Sep 12
seventh-junction
says...
9:57am Fri 28 Sep 12
We are prepared to let them go cheap.
So if any Saints fans out their want to make me an offer then please do.
I'd rather they got used and saved someone else a bit of cash than bin them.
I am prepared to drop them off or meet someone within a 5 mile radius of Woolston if it helps.
Gentlemen ( or Ladies) start your bidding!!!”
Tirau Dan
says...
10:22pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Jay
Southampton boy says...
7:36am Thu 27 Sep 12