SAINTS striker Jay Rodriguez is raring to go ahead of the new season, as he closes in on making his long-awaited return from injury.

The forward has not played since April 2014, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.

 

He will likely feature in the first friendly of pre-season, when Saints take on RasenBallsport Leipzig next Wednesday during their trip to Austria.

While this time of year isn’t always a footballer’s favourite, Rodriguez says it is exciting for him to be back.

“It is. It’s nice to be amongst the lads and back to playing football and getting fit,” said the 25-year-old, who was speaking at the launch of OctaFX as the club’s official foreign exchange partner.

“It’s something to look forward to now, to get myself ready for the start of the season.”

Rodriguez explained towards the end of last season, shortly after signing a new four-year contract at the club, that his knee felt as strong as ever, and he says nothing has changed on that front.

“It’s still the same,” he said.

“Obviously, I’ve got to get match fit, but that will come with the games that we’ve got lined up. It’s feeling good and I’m looking forward to it.”