Clarets International-Jay, Jack, David & Alex!

Jay Rodriguez call-up to England Under 21

It has certainly been a good week for Jay Rodriguez , not only did he score the winning goal against Norwich at Turf Moor on Saturday but earlier in the week he was called up to the England Under 21 international squad for the first time.

The 21-year-old will join up with the squad for their friendly in Italy on Tuesday. On loan Chelsea midfielder, Jack Cork is also in the squad after being called-up last week.

"We`re missing a number of players through injury, but it will give me a chance to look at a few new players, said England Under 21 manager, Stuart Pearce.

"Rodriguez has been playing well for Burnley and deserves an opportunity with the Under-21s

Burnley manager, Howe speaking about the good news said:

'Congratulations to Jay on his international call-up.

'Everyone here is excited about the potential Jay possesses in abundance and his call-up is rich reward for all his hard work.

'I am sure, given the chance, he will be a credit to himself and Burnley Football Club.'

Stuart Pearce is using the friendly against Italy as part of his preparations for the European Championship finals in Denmark in June, so if Jay Rod makes a good account of himself he could be playing in the competition this summer.

Rodriguez is obviously delighted by his call up and told the local media:

"I`m really pleased, obviously it was a bit of a shock, but I`m looking forward to it.

"I`m buzzing, and my family are proud as well. They couldn`t believe it as well, they`re really chuffed and excited for me.

"My dad`s over the moon, and told me to play my normal game. He`d love to go, but I don`t think he`ll be able to.

"I just thought to concentrate on my game here at Burnley, to try and keep improving myself and do my best for the club, and if anything comes of it, so be it. I never thought I would or wouldn`t be playing, I just concentrating on doing well for Burnley.

"But it`s massive to play someone like Italy, and just to be part of England is unbelievable, it`s something I never thought would happen.

"It will be a great experience. Fingers crossed I can get on and play. The main thing you want to do in your career is play for your country - it`s a massive step."

Couple out on Loan get International Call-up

Defender David Edgar, who recently joined Swansea until the end of the season in his second loan spell at the club also received good news this week.

He is in Canada`s squad for a friendly against Greece in Larissa on Wednesday 9th February.

Alex MacDonald was also celebrating last week after being called-up by the Scotland`s Under-21s for a training camp from Monday to Wednesday this week. The striker is currently out on loan with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

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