Claude Puel delighted to see Jay Rodriguez hit scoring trail

Southampton manager Claude Puel has admitted that he is delighted to see Jay Rodriguez return to form following his "difficult" recent injury layoff.

The 27-year-old scored his first Premier League goals since August on Sunday lunchtime as the Saints earned a 3-1 comeback win over south coast rivals Bournemouth.

A fine 20-yard effort late on sealed the points for Southampton, helping them up to seventh in the table and three points above their opponents, and Puel was particularly impressed by Rodriguez's display.

"It was difficult in the first half, but in the second half we started well with a good spirit and energy and [it was a] very good second half for us," he told BBC Sport.

"I am happy for the players and for Jay. It was difficult for him with his long injury and he came back step by step. He has played three or four games since the injury of [Charlie] Austin. He works well for the team each time and it is a pleasure to see him happy with two goals."

Rodriguez last scored a brace for Southampton in March 2014, just before a long-term injury destroyed his hopes of earning a call-up to England's World Cup squad.