Mears tips Jay Rod to make a top four move (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Mears tips Jay Rod to make a top four move

10:30am Saturday 28th January 2012 in News By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

EX-CLARET Tyrone Mears believes it is only a matter of time before Jay Rodriguez joins a top-four Premier League team.

But the striker’s former team-mate has urged him to see out the season with Burnley, and then reassess his future in the summer.

Rodriguez was linked with a move to Newcastle this week, although it is understood the Magpies are prepared to wait until the summer as they concentrate their January transfer window efforts on bolstering their defence.

And Mears believes the north east club’s patience is both good for the Clarets, and Rodriguez.

For the right back feels the 22-year-old’s development will benefit more from regular first team football as Burnley look to push for promotion back to English football’s top flight.

Rodriguez only featured in the Carling Cup for Burnley in their Premier League campaign, Mears’ first with the club.

But the homegrown striker estab-lished himself in the side back in the Championship last season.

He has gone on to spearhead the Clarets’ attack this term, top scoring with 14 goals so far. And with Burnley just three points outside the play-offs, Mears says it is important for Rodriguez to help the team see the job through.

“Eddie Howe is building a young team. He doesn’t see short-term, he’s looking long-term and wants the team to build confidence and experience in the Championship, eventually to move into Premier League and try to stay there. Jay is a big part of that,” he said.

“The first season I arrived I only saw glimpses of him because he spent time away on loan. But after breaking into the side last season he showed he is a top player.

“I’m sure Jay will want to be testing himself in the Premier League, and I’ve no doubt he will when he gets the chance.

“But for now he has just got to keep his head down and work hard and everything will come to him.

“It would be good if he could help Burnley get promoted.”

Mears, who joined Bolton Wanderers in the summer, saw Rodriguez’s top flight credentials in the last of his two seasons with the Clarets.

“Technically, he’s fantastic. In the air, with the ball at his feet, his touch, he is quick and strong.

“He’s got everything in his locker to play for a top four team in the Premier League,” he said.

“It’s up to Burnley to try to keep hold of him.”

But, Mears warned: “The way he is going that’s going to be difficult. How many young English strikers are there around?

“Jay is a massive player for the club.”