Jay Rodriguez targets England return

Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has stated that he would like to earn a recall to the England squad following his Saints return.

The 26-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Premier League clash against Manchester City in April 2014 and spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines, making his comeback during the recent pre-season trip to Austria.

Rodriguez netted on his first appearance at St Mary's for 16 months on Sunday as Southampton drew 1-1 with Espanyol.

"You have got to aim high and for me the highest is to go and represent your country," he told Sky Sports News.

"That is the main thing, it was the best achievement of my career so far and I want to replicate that. I've got a lot of hard work to do and hopefully it will come if I keep working hard.

"You always have to look the highest you can but it's a long way to go and I'm just taking it week by week and by each game."

Rodriguez has won one cap for England.