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Jay Rodriguez praises Southampton teammates' fightback against Bournemouth after scoring winning brace in south coast derby

Southampton's match winner Jay Rodriguez praised his team's grit and quality in a dominant second-half performance for the Saints in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Rodriguez scored two goals in a Premier League game for the first time in almost three years to ensure the Saints triumphed in the south coast derby at the Vitality Stadium.

'The lads worked hard,' the striker told Sky Sports. 'First half was difficult, but second half we showed what we are capable of. It was true grit and determination.'

Jay Rodriguez celebrates with Virgil van Dijk during Southampton's 3-1 victory over Burnley
Jay Rodriguez celebrates with Virgil van Dijk during Southampton's 3-1 victory over Burnley
Rodriguez hit a stunning late goal at the Vitality Stadium to ensure a 3-1 win for Southampton
Rodriguez hit a stunning late goal at the Vitality Stadium to ensure a 3-1 win for Southampton
Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc dives in vain in an attempt to keep out Rodriguez's effort
Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc dives in vain in an attempt to keep out Rodriguez's effort
Rodriguez (second left) is mobbed by team-mates following his two goals on Sunday
Rodriguez (second left) is mobbed by team-mates following his two goals on Sunday

The former Burnley striker, who suffered a serious knee injury in April 2014 and was out of action for 16 months before missing much of last season after ankle surgery, played down his fine second goal, insisting that he was just happy to be playing again.