HE’S most certainly one of our own and on Friday night I am sure everyone with even a passing interest in the Clarets watched on with pride as Jay Rodriguez made his England debut.

It might not have quite gone to plan for either Jay or the rest of his teammates but I think some of the press that he's getting is a little unfair.

I thought he played ok in what was a pretty poor team performance and it was good to hear Roy Hodgson come out and say that he wouldn't be judging him on just this performance.

That said, there are only two more games before the World Cup in Brazil next summer and you have to wonder whether he’ll get another chance to shine before the flight takes off to Rio.

I hope he does because after the way he has been playing this season, he certainly deserves to be in the England manager's thoughts.

I remember when he was at Burnley there was a lot of talk in the press room about him going on to become an England international but after just one appearance for the under 21s a few years back, I did wonder if that chance would ever come.

I’ll admit to being a little surprised that he joined Southampton because I felt certain that he’d be back in the second tier, in the same way that Steven Fletcher found himself by opting to join Wolves rather than a more established Premier League side.

But the Saints, and to an extent Jay himself, proved us all wrong and it is fantastic to see him sitting proudly in the top three of the Premier League.

There has been talk of a move from Arsenal and Liverpool to snap him up in January and I think that is testament to his hard work and attitude both on and off the field.

I’m sure we’ll get a slice of any fee that either of those two would pay so there are some selfish reasons for wanting him to do well and move on.

But for now we should share the pride that his family must be feeling. And hope he continues to kick on enough to snatch a seat on that plane!

And lets not forget our current striking hotshot Danny Ings.

It was disappointing for him not to get any action for Gareth Southgate’s under 21 side in Milton Keynes last week.

But I am sure if he continues to work hard in training with the Young Lions then his chance will come.