Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez very pleased after managing a superb goal at the St. Mary's Stadium on Sunday in the pre-season friendly against Espanyol.

Rodriguez made his first appearance at the St. Mary's Stadium since March 2014 on Sunday and he marked the occasion with a fine goal five minutes from time to earn the Saints a 1-1 draw.

The England international was certainly pleased with his goal on the day and stated that the strike was more special as it came in front of the Saints faithful.

"Every goal means a lot to me, whatever the opposition, especially having missed out for a year but this one does mean a lot with it coming at St Mary's," he told the club's official website.

"It was really nice to step up at St Mary's in front of the crowd and to get 90 minutes and a good run-out.

"It was a good occasion for us all. It's a lot better to draw than lose, but we're disappointed because we thought we could win the game.

"The intensity was there and we played our game but it should've clicked a little bit better. The game was obviously a little bit frustrating but it was important for me to get those 90 minutes and a good workout."