JAY Rodriguez is happy to home following his exit from Burnley seven years ago.

The striker transferred to Southampton after making 129 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets during his first spell at his hometown club.

A £12 million move to West Brom was made two years ago before Burnley re-signed the striker in the summer transfer window.

"I always looked out for Burnley because my family and friends are from Burnley," he said.

"You try to keep in touch with a few people. It's been really nice to see faces I haven't seen for years and catch up with them.

"It feels like home. When I finish training I'm back home. When you live away for so long you do miss out on family and friends.

"I think this club has totally changed in the right direction. I totally feel like a part of it, I feel lucky and I'm excited to get going with it.

"To come back here is a real buzz for myself and my family. Putting that kit on again was a little bit surreal. It's such a good feeling and I just want to do well for the team. I just want to get on with it now."

Rodriguez had to start Saturday's game from the bench, but came on for two-goal man Ashley Barnes in the last 10 minutes of the match - to a rapturous applause from the crowd.

"The first game of the season at Turf Moor was extra special," he added. "I never managed to do it [play in the top flight] when I was here last, so I was really excited for it.

"You always want to play against the best teams and the best players and do well.

"That [the League Cup run] was my real first taster of playing the big grounds and getting so close and then going to Wembley [in the play-offs], the highs and lows of it.

"It was a real journey for me and the team. The promotion that year was really good. The work the team put in was special and it set me up for the rest of my career."