JAY Rodriguez admitted Saints’ disappointment at failing to beat Midtjylland, but the striker remains confident they will still reach the Europa League group stages.

Rodriguez scored his first competitive goal since March 2014 to rescue Ronald Koeman’s men against the Danish champions last night, netting a second-half penalty that cancelled out Tim Sparv’s opener.

Rodriguez, who is back in action this season after missing all of last term with a serious knee injury, said: “Obviously, it’s nice to get started and get off the mark, and to get back in the game was crucial. I’m pleased that I put it away.

“Obviously, disappointed that we didn’t get the win tonight, but I’m sure we’ll bounce back.”

Saints were far better after half-time, with Rodriguez explaining that a change of approach had paid dividends.

“We went more direct and it worked for us,” he said.

“We played more direct to Grazi and worked around that. Like I said, we created chances and there was more tempo from us.”

Despite conceding an away goal, Rodriguez remains optimistic Saints will see off Midtjylland at the MCH Arena next Thursday.

“We’re confident always when we go out onto the pitch,” he said.

“It’s difficult that the away goal counts, but we’re not thinking about that – we’ll go out to win the game and that’s the main thing for us and I’m sure we’ve got the squad and the players to go and do that.”

Rodriguez added: “They’re a tough side. They frustrated us at times in the way they played and obviously they scored against us, so they’re a good side, but I’m sure that we can work hard and keep the tempo high and win there.”