JAY Rodriguez believes patience has been something of a virtue after grabbing his first Premier League goal since returning to the Clarets at Aston Villa.

The striker’s header 67 minutes in at Villa Park came 2,758 days after his last strike in the league for Burnley.

His move back home in the summer had been years in the making and was certainly a popular one among the Turf Moor fanbase.

But with Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood impressing leading the line the 30-year-old has had to wait his turn, coming off the bench in all seven league games and starting the EFL Cup exit against Sunderland.

Rodriguez scored in that tie and is now off the mark in the league and knows that is all he can do to force Sean Dyche’s hand.

“That is football and one of those things, you have to focus on what you can do and be ready when the time comes,” he said.

“I always want more and more goals and to take every chance I can.

“I will keep my head down and work hard.

“It is healthy competition and everyone has to stay patient and continue to work hard and effect what they can affect.

“Woody and Barnesy are great lads and great footballers and they have made me feel really welcome.

“I always want to learn off other players and every striker I play alongside.”

With Dyche having largely relied on a 4-4-2 system, Rodriguez got his chance by playing on the right of a front three in the second half at Villa Park.

Wood, scorer of the second equaliser, operated through the middle with Barnes playing from the left.

“I played there many a time at Southampton,” Rodriguez said.

“I have always thought there is many things you can learn in football, different positions and areas.

“It is so important so I try my best and try and nail down any position.

“It is a good position because you pick up space in the pockets and you can move in behind and get in the box.”

Twice coming from behind at Villa Park means the Clarets are really starting to build some momentum with Everton next up at Turf Moor this coming Saturday.

Rodriguez has settled back in East Lancashire quickly and sees only good things for the season ahead.

“The lads and staff and everyone has made me feel really welcome,” he said.

“The atmosphere coming into training and working is really fantastic.

“There is no limit to what we can achieve but we are taking each game as it comes.

“Now we are focused on recovery and the game against Everton which is going to be tough.

“Momentum is key in football and hopefully we can keep building and get a positive result next Saturday to take into the international break.”