Wrexham forward Jay Rodriguez is dreaming big as he looks forward to the club’s vital run-in following a 1-0 win over Stockport County, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Red Dragons moved back into second place in their search for a third straight promotion.
A Big Thing To Leave
One-cap England international Rodriguez says he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of what continues to build at Wrexham but leaving his hometown club Burnley was not easy.
“It’s really admirable that the club’s been from where it’s been to be where it is now and it’s still pushing now, it’s something I’m really proud to be a part of.”
“It’s a big thing for me to leave my hometown club, Burnley, it had to be a really big project, and obviously Wrexham is a massive project.”
“To be asked to come along, I’m grateful for the opportunity. It had to be a big thing, and it was a good situation for all.”
A ‘Relief’ To Get Off The Mark
Since his move to Wales in January, the former West Bromwich Albion man had failed to find his scoring touch until yesterday.
The clash with Stockport was Rodriguez’s 11th in the red shirt of Wrexham and his goal lifted Phil Parkinson’s side back into the top two, three points ahead of Wycombe Wanderers with a game more played.
“It’s a nice relief. I’ve always said to myself that if I continue to work hard, keep improving in every training session, do my finishing and keep knuckling down, hopefully, it’ll come good.”
‘One Of The Worst’
The goal came after half an hour when a penalty was awarded for handball. Corey Addai saved the penalty low to his right only for Rodriguez to latch onto the rebound and strike it low under the advancing keeper.
He admits it was one of the worst spot-kicks he has ever taken but will not step away from taking another should the opportunities arise.
“I think it’s probably one of the worst penalties I’ve ever taken, to be honest, it was meant to go higher than that and into the corner.”
“But fortunately it bounced for me and I finished it. Hopefully, if I do take another one it’ll go straight in.”
Writer’s View
Being able to attract a player like Rodriguez who had played 20 Championship matches already this season highlights the draw of Wrexham.
Now he has his first goal, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he went on a run and helped guide the club to the second tier and a third promotion on the spin.
