Ronald Koeman: 'We have to be patient with Jay Rodriguez'

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has insisted that his side cannot afford to put too much pressure on striker Jay Rodriguez following his return from injury.

The 26-year-old was ruled out for 16 months after tearing his ACL in April 2014, but made his comeback earlier this month and registered his first goal of the season from the penalty spot in the Saints' 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Koeman told reporters: "Everybody knows Jay was out for a more than a year and it takes time for him to be back to where he was before.

"He is close to full fitness, he scored a penalty and had a few good chances to score. He still needs more game time to be 100 per cent where he was before his injury."

Southampton take on Watford in their next Premier League clash on Sunday.