ADE Akinbiyi has backed Jay Rodriguez to be a hometown hero for years to come.

The teenager’s rise through the Burnley ranks has come as no surprise to experienced campaigner Akinbiyi, who could this week complete a move to Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo.

The 34-year-old admits he has been impressed with the teenager’s attitude and ability ever since he was promoted to the first team squad.

And although Burnley-born Rodriguez is still waiting to make his first start for the Clarets, after contributing five goals from the bench in league and cup this season, Akinbiyi believes a full debut isn’t far away.

The 19-year-old’s contributions, most notably cool cup finishes against Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Spurs, have had scouts flocking to Turf Moor.

But Akinbiyi is confident that the former Barden High School pupil will continue to flourish with the Clarets.

“I’m hearing whispers that a lot of people have started coming to watch him, but I think he’s going to be here for a long time,” he said.

“Obviously the gaffer knows how to knuckle him down, and all the other boys do as well. I think he’s looking to get his career started here, and he’s doing that now.

“There are a lot of people who don’t get to play for their hometown club and he’s already doing that now, scoring goals, playing and scoring in televised games against Premier League clubs, and he’s doing really well.

“He’s unbelievable on the training ground. The manager’s still protecting him by not starting him yet, because obviously he’s a young lad. But I think you’re going to see a lot from him next season.

“I’ve seen the talent in him and obviously all the other lads have seen them same, and I just try to help him in his game.

“The manager does that on the training ground, but I give him advice as well, about the things to stay away from and the things to do, telling him just to concentrate on his football and scoring goals, and that’s what he’s doing.”

Yet despite Akinbiyi’s role as a willing mentor at Burnley’s Gawthorpe training ground, the former Wolves, Stoke and Leicester striker has no plans to carve out a career in coaching once he hangs up his football boots.

“I’ve never thought about doing coaching. I just wanted to come out of it when I finish playing football, but a lot of people are saying even if you don’t do it, just take your coaching badges,” he said.

“I’ll probably start that next year. I’m not really keen on it, or being a manager or coach, but it’s probably something that’s useful to have.

“If push came to shove, probably the only thing I’d do is help kids in the youth team. I’d like to do scouting. But that’s probably about it.

“I wouldn’t want to go to the top level. It’s not my style.”

However, should Akinbiyi have a change of heart, he revealed Burnley boss Owen Coyle would probably influence his style.

“I’ve learnt a lot from him – how he’s got the team together, how he’s got the team passing ... everything in general,” he said.

“If you were to come into our dressing room on Fridays you’ll see cakes because the losing team on the Thursday has to bring in cakes on a Friday.

“That’s part of it all - we all have a great laugh, and I’m just learning different things from him.

“If I ever become a coach, I’m picking up things from the training ground and would bring that experience to the players.

“Everyone’s just really enjoying themselves.”