Erwin Koeman delighted with Jay Rodriguez return

Southampton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has praised Jay Rodriguez after the striker ended his long wait for competitive action.

The Englishman managed 65 minutes for the Saints in their 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Rodriguez had not previously featured in the Premier League since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Manchester City in April 2014.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Koeman - standing in for brother Ronald who recently underwent surgery - said: "I think for him it was a big victory to start.

"He trained already for six weeks with us and he makes some minutes so he was ready for it. After that long period, maybe 15 or 16 months without a game, I have to say he did very well."

Southampton are back in action next weekend when they play host to Everton.