MODEST Jay Rodriguez said he was shocked but honoured to be included in the PFA Championship team of the year.

The 21-goal striker was voted into the select XI by his fellow professionals, and named alongside Southampton top scorer Rickie Lambert.

“It was a shock when I got the phonecall to say that I had been chosen,” said Rodriguez, who attended the event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel with his dad, Kiko.

“It took a bit of time to sink in, but when I did I really appreciated it and it means a lot to me.

“The fact that it’s the players you compete against who voted makes it special and I’m really chuffed. To be nominated alongside the players who are in there is a great honour and it was a fantastic night.”

Former Claret Graham Alexander picked up the PFA Merit Award, in recognition of making 1,000 senior appearances – 177 of them with Burnley.

Of Rodriguez’s accolade, he said: “He’s had a great season and it’s good to see it recognised.”