sport

HERO RODRIGUEZ RELEGATED TO RESERVES

Burnley celebrate Rodriguez's winner.

Jay Rodriguez got his reward for steering Burnley into the fourth round of the Carling Cup - a place in the reserves on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old striker will face Preston on a high after scoring the winner against Fulham with two minutes remaining.

Rodriguez showed a cool head to round the goalkeeper after a glorious through-ball from Chris Eagles, who had also stepped off the bench.

However, manager Owen Coyle soon brought the local hero - he was born in Burnley - down to earth.

"I am going to tell him he is in the reserves tomorrow," said the Scottish boss. "Mind you he is a very level-headed lad.

"I am delighted Jay showed that level of composure at his age to score the winner. That is what we are trying to do at this club - to encourage young talent.

"Jay is a talent, he showed that, but it was a great pass in the first place."

Rodriguez was sent out on loan to Stirling Albion last season and Coyle said: "I saw him a similar goal to the one tonight against my old club St Johnstone.

"He has that ability in his locker when he is one on one with the goalkeeper. We believe in time he will be a real number nine. Certainly he has not done himself any harm tonight."

Burnley clinched a place in the last 16 after stretching their unbeaten run to six matches and it was no more than they deserved.

Coyle added: "From start to finish we kept the pace and the tempo of the game high. I thought we earned it.

"Now we are in the last 16 who knows what awaits us. Winning games like this gives you confidence."

The only downside for Coyle was that defender Russell Anderson damaged knee ligaments and will have a scan to assess the damage.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson had no regrets at making eight changes to his side. He said: "The Premier League is our priority and some of my players have niggling injuries.

"I am pleased with our team as many players were in for the first time. We looked on for extra time then we conceded so close to the end.

"Burnley looked a good side. I don't know the Championship well enough but I would think they could do well. They are well organised defensively and have players with pace and skill."