Considering his nightmare two years, few deserve more of an opportunity than Southampton's No.9...
Things used to be so much better for Jay Rodriguez.
It was not so long ago that he had netted 17 Premier League goals, made his England debut and was in contention for Roy Hodgson’s 2014 World Cup squad.
But two months before that tournament, he fell awkwardly against Manchester City.
He cruciate ligament was ruptured. His potential trip to Brazil was kyboshed.
Rodriguez – who finished the 2013/14 season with just six goals fewer than Hodgson’s first choice No. 9, Daniel Sturridge – would not play again until August 2015.
But the injuries didn’t stop there, with a foot problem sustained last November costing him another five months – and, effectively, another season – of his career.
The Premier League’s unluckiest footballer? Perhaps.
It certainly would have been understandable had he lost all hope of a top-flight return.
Dropping down to the Championship would have been the easiest option, with the assurances of game time and weaker defences to exploit.
Instead, though, Rodriguez stuck it out at St. Mary’s.
Southampton manager Claude Puel, too, appears to believe in the former Burnley man.
With no ties to the striker, he would not have been criticised for politely moving him on, having only joined the club this summer.
Puel, however, called off a loan move to Hull City for the forward.
The Frenchman’s decision not to replace Graziano Pelle following the Italian’s move to China, suggests he has plans for the club’s No. 9.
With just Charlie Austin – who has been through his own struggles with injury – and Shane Long as his recognised strikers, Rodriguez will be needed.
Scoring his first Premier League goal in over two years against Sunderland in August is evidence of that.
Considering his tumultuous two years, there are few more deserving of another opportunity.
But as commendable as his perseverance and strength of character has been, Rodriguez must now perform if he is to make up for his lost years.
