Jay Rodriguez keeps his feet on ground

Rodriguez missed out on the squad for Tuesday’s friendly defeat in Germany, where Jack Cork started for the Young Lions.

But Stuart Pearce has been monitoring his performances of late, in person and on video, aware that the 21-year-old has dual nationality and could also play for Spain.

He’s taking all the talk in his stride, however: “It’s all good and builds my confidence but I just concentrate on playing and if it happens, it happens, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

“I’ve just got to try to keep improving.

“I was chuffed to bits when I heard about it. I never expected it really.

“I heard about it off Stuart (Gray), but I just wanted to carry on working and carry on playing hard and see what happens.

“A few of the lads have been having a bit of banter about it but it’s all in good spirit.”

While caps for his country could be on the horizon, he is also keen to commit himself to his hometown club, with a new contract close to being agreed: “Hopefully it’s close.

“I love playing for the club. I’ve grown up supporting them and I’d love to get it sorted.

“I’m not sure how long it will take to do, but it’s all positive.

“Now I’ve got a run of games it’s really good.”