FORMER Burnley star Jay Rodriguez has congratulated three of his Southampton team-mates on selection for England’s World Cup squad – as he makes his recovery from the injury that ended his own dream.

Rodriguez made his England debut in November and had been hoping to be on the plane for Brazil, only to be ruled out for six months in early April after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

But his Saints team-mates Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw were all named in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the World Cup yesterday and Rodriguez was quick to congratulate them.

“I’m chuffed to bits and I never doubted it after playing with them all season and seeing how well they have done,” Rodriguez said.

“It’s fully deserved, I’m just really pleased for them and can’t wait to see them out there.”

Shaw, 18, has been chosen ahead of Ashley Cole.

“Luke is a really good lad,” Rodriguez said. “He’s up for learning, he’s really modest and I don’t think he realises sometimes how good he is.

“I don’t think this will faze him.”

Rodriguez is now continuing his own recovery as he bids to return to action early next season.

“So far it’s going really well," he said.

"The operation went well and the physios are happy with how it’s going, so I’m pleased.”