Jay Rodriguez targets England recall

Jay Rodriguez has admitted that he is already targeting an England recall after returning to action for Southampton.

The 26-year-old forward missed the whole of last season with a knee injury that ended his hopes of earning a spot in the England squad for the 2014 World Cup.

Rodriguez has been involved in Ronald Koeman's side on a regular basis early in the campaign and he is hopeful of catching Roy Hodgson's attention.

"That's a dream and that's what I aspire to," he told reporters. "At the moment I'm just concentrating week by week to get as much match fitness and sharpness as I can and try and take confidence from each game. It's a case of taking it slowly and hopefully it comes.

"Of course, it was the highlight of my career to go and represent my country. It's the best thing for a player to do that.

"There were times in my injury period that were really hard. If you aim high then the sky's the limit and that is what keeps you going through the tough times."

Rodriguez won his only England cap against Chile in November 2013.