“Overwhelming moment” for dad as Jay Rod makes England debut

Kiko Rodriguez was at England’s national stadium to watch his son and former Claret Jay start for his country in front of live television cameras.

Jay, a former Barden High school pupil, pulled on England’s famous white jersey and played 57 minutes of the friendly match against Chile, which England lost 2-0.

Despite the result, Kiko was still bursting with Joy at seeing his son play.

He said: “It was such an overwhelming experience to see Jay represent England at Wembley.

“I am so proud and I know Jay is too. I went down with some of his old school friends and he couldn’t stop talking about the whole experience after the game. I think he was nervous during the game itself. He still can’t quite believe it’s happened.

“He loved every minute of it from the training, to the match and afterwards. It’s just a shame the result and performance wasn’t the better but he said it’s made him even more determined to get back there.”

Jay was selected by England manager Roy Hodgson following a great start to the Premier League campaign with his side Southampton who currently sit third.

The talented forward moved to the south coast club for £7m. from the Clarets, his boyhood hometown team.

Kiko added: “We were sat in the same box as we were for Burnley’s Championship play-off final, which was another great experience, but I think this was an even prouder moment.

“Jay is a great lad and is still friends with many people from Burnley. My phone has never stopped ringing in the last few days so that just shows how much people think of him.”