Jay Rodriguez signs new contract with Southampton

Out of action for over a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, Jay Rodriguez has signed a new four year contract with Southampton.

Rodriguez had been in good goalscoring form last season with 15 goals to his name and was expecting a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup before his injury ended his season.

Fellow Champions League hopefuls, Liverpool and Tottenham were both after the England international last summer but interest died down after the injury.

Talking to the club’s official website, the striker expressed his relief at recovering from the injury and praised the medical staff at the club.

“I’m delighted. It’s a great club and we’ve done amazingly this year. It’s been a tough year for myself being out, but I’m really delighted to sign the contract. It’s now about looking forward to the future.

“The medical staff have all worked tirelessly with me, so this is great news. I just want to carry on improving now and to try to get some game time.”

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman was delighted to tie the 25-year-old down.

“This is very good news for the club because there was some speculation about Jay and interest from other big clubs, so it is a compliment to the club that we have an agreement.

“It has been a difficult time for Jay who has been doing everything to come back. It’s a good start to the summer business for us because it shows that everyone here is convinced by what we want to achieve.”

A lot has changed at the club since Rodriguez last started a game both on the sidelines and on the pitch, with Mauricio Pochettino having moved on to north London as Tottenham boss and former captain Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren all joining Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.

New signings Graziano Pelle , Sadio Mané and Dušan Tadić however, have all taken well to the Premier League and have had a huge hand in propelling the club to 7th position in the league.

Rodriguez will have his work cut out to get into the team where he performed so brilliantly last season.