PROUD dad Kiko Rodriguez has described his son’s England call-up as ‘a dream come true’.

Former Clarets star Jay could become the town’s first home-grown England men’s international since 1961 if he turns out for Roy Hodgson’s side against either Chile or Germany later this month.

The 24-year-old striker, who has one England under-21 cap to his name, has scored four goals for Southampton in the Premier League this season.

Kiko said the former Barrowford Celtic youngster ‘hadn’t an inkling’ that he was in Hodgson’s plans.

He said: “He sent me a quick text before training at 11am and from reading it he sounded very happy.

“Obviously it’s a dream come true for us. He’s always concentrated a lot on his game and it’s every parent’s dream to see your child represent his country.

“If he gets on the pitch it’ll be unbelievable. I’ll be trying to go to the game, that’s for sure.”

The news came as a timely boost to Kiko, who has just undergone surgery on the cartilage in his knee.

He added: “It would just make our day if he pulled on the shirt. His mum Carol is over the moon too. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

Jay’s brother, Joe, tweeted: “Yes! Jay’s been called up for England! Hope he gets on and bags!”

Rodriguez, who attended Heasandford Primary School and Barden High School, scored 41 times in 87 games for the Clarets between 2007 and 2012.

He made his sole under-21 international appearance against Italy in 2011.

Burnley’s youth team coach, Terry Pashley, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the lad. I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club when I say I’m delighted.

“When you work with kids aged 16 to 18 you don’t look as far ahead as the England team but he’s shown the will-power and perseverance to improve his game.

“It just goes to show for young lads here what hard work does. He’s a credit to himself, the club, his family and the town.”

Hapton-born Brian Millar was the last footballer from the borough to earn a cap for the senior England side, against Austria in 1961.