Monday 19 December 2016 13:54, UK
Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez has revealed he found it difficult to sleep after scoring twice in his side's 3-1 over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
The 27-year old put the Saints ahead on 48 minutes, converting his first effort from close range and followed up with a thunderous drive five minutes from time.
It was Rodriguez's first Premier League double since being sidelined for two-and-a-half years with serious knee injuries and the forward says he welcomed the post-match insomnia this time around.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Rodriguez said: "I didn't get much sleep after the game, I couldn't really wind down. I think it was the buzz of winning and being with the lads, it's great.
"The buzz and the adrenaline from it is definitely something you miss when you're injured or missing out on playing. It was nice to have that feeling again. I'm just a little bit tired," laughed the Saints forward.
"I was so buzzing when I scored the first one. [Steven] Davis said I nicked it off him but I don't think it was going to go in. I'm sure he didn't mind really.
"It was perfect how the second goal set up. I just turned and hit it and thankfully it went into the back of the net.
"It was a good time to score because it was getting late on in the game and I thought Bournemouth might come back with a final push. It felt nice to kill the game off."
Rodriguez was seen kissing his wrist as he celebrated hitting a powerful dipping volley past Artur Boruc and into the top corner, and the Burnley academy graduate explained he was paying tribute to his wife Simone.
"My wife and I both got a tattoo on our wrists when we were in Mexico," he said.
"She has been amazing through all of the tough times with my injury, recovery and getting back into the team. It was a special moment for her as well.
"I've got a really good group of people around me - my family, my best friends - who always show me support no matter whether I am playing, scoring goals or on the bench.
"That's why I don't really get too bogged down with anything because I know I am very lucky for what I have got."
Claude Puel's side suffered a major blow last week as it was confirmed the club's leading goalscorer Charlie Austin requires shoulder surgery and will be unavailable for selection for up to four months.
Rodriguez, who has scored 24 goals for Southampton since joining the club in 2012, is eager to continue the hard work behind the scenes and is hopeful of being able to help fill Austin's void.
He said: "It was a shame to see Charlie out injured and hopefully he'll be back again soon. I'm just going to take each game and each training session as it comes. The main aim is try and improve on what I have done previously.
"I go into every training session and every game with belief and when the hard work pays off it feels really nice.
"I never get stressed about my performances because I know I am giving the maximum that I can. Of course there's always room to improve and I still need to improve a lot."
Rodriguez, who has scored four goals across all competitions so far this season, says he will continue to aim for his personal goal tally but maintaining match fitness is his first priority.
"I want to score in every game that I play," he said. "My main aim for the season is to stay fit and play as many games as I can. Goal-wise, I always have a tally in my head that I keep to myself," he added.
