JAY Rodriguez says his season has surpassed all expectations, but is looking forward to taking it on to another level next term.

The homegrown striker is Burnley’s leading league goalscorer with 13 going into the final game of the season, and was this week named in the England Under 21s provisional 40-man squad for this summer’s European Champion-ships in Denmark.

Rodriguez went on to scoop 10 out of a possible 14 player of the season awards at the Supporters’ Clubs end of season presentation at Turf Moor, after establishing himself as a first team regular this season.

But the Clarets youth team product isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels as the club builds for another promotion assault in 2011/12.

Falling short of the top six this year has come as a disappointment to Rodriguez and Co, but on a personal note the 21-year-old has been pleased with his progress, which culminated in him earning his first international cap in the U21s friendly against Italy in February five months after breaking into the side.

“I never expected anything that’s come along this season,” he said.

“I knew I had to try to break my way into the team as soon as I could.

“I didn’t realise I was going to play this much and it’s been good. It’s been enjoyable.

“It’s my first season of playing regular games.

“Obviously I’m chuffed with my goals and everything else that’s come with it.

“But I’ve got to come back and try to improve again, keep working hard.

“That’s the best way to improve yourself.”

Rodriguez knows that as the U21s squad has to be whittled down to 23 for the tournament, there are no guarantees of his involvement.

But through his ever-improving profile, for club and country, the youngster who once looked up to the likes of Andy Gray, Ade Akinbiyi and Robbie Blake accepts he has become a role model for the current youth team crop at Turf Moor.

“I think every player tries to look up to someone,” he said.

“It’s a little bit weird to think that younger players might look up to me.

“I don’t really think about it that way, but if they do then it’s nice to have that responsibility.”

Rodriguez, who ahead of Saturday’s visit of Cardiff City is one goal behind Burnley’s overall leading scorer, Chris Eagles, has shown his versatility too this season, having played as a targetman, out wide and off the front.