SAINTS captain Jose Fonte believes Jay Rodriguez will be like a new signing for Saints when he makes his long-awaited return to action.

Rodriguez is now not expected to make a comeback tonight for the under-21s as Saints carefully ease him back to action.

However, though an outside chance, it is still possible that Rodriguez could be deemed fit to play a part in Saints' final game of the Premier League season, on Sunday, at the Etihad Stadium - the same venue where, in April 2014, he suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

"It’s just a relief that he’s back now," said Fonte.

"I know what he’s been through and I don’t wish that to anyone, so I’m just glad that he’s back and fit again and, hopefully, next season he’ll be like a new signing for us."

Rodriguez last week signed a new four-year contract at Saints, with Fonte agreeing that was a big statement heading into the summer - and the skipper hopes Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin will soon follow suit.

"Having Jay for the next [four] years I think is massive," said Fonte.

"It’s a big statement for the club, the intent of the club, and now we just need to try and get Morgan and Clyney too."

Midfielder Steven Davis echoed Fonte's thoughts on the return of Rodriguez.

He said: “He’ll be like a new signing for us. Everybody knows what he’s capable of and the quality he’s got.

"He’s looked strong in the training sessions he’s taken part in.

"If he gets a bit of game time then it will be great for him and then a good pre-season under his belt, and hopefully he’ll be back flying on all cylinders next season."