supersonic

The agent thing means nothing, also his Dad could be throwing up a smoke-screen. I hope not but don't take everything you see on twitter as gospel.

The thing I always think about with players like this (Clasie falls into the same category) is if they really are THAT good, why do they keep getting snubbed by teams? Every transfer window this guy has been on the verge of signing for Spurs or Liverpool, yet neither have made a serious bid, nor have any other top European club. If they were as good as perceived, they'd have been signed up a long time ago. As for him coming to Saints, no thanks - not what we need at the moment.

As much as what his dad says on twitter is believable, do you really think he'd come out and announce it on twitter if JR was struggling and his career was in doubt?

Why is he not in the England team?

Well the goalposts can't be made bigger. You get nothing for hitting the woodwork unfortunately.

Seriously, yes he has failed to score in his last 7 games. He's a brilliant player, but please read posts before jumping to conclusions. I'm not worried about his all round play, I merely asked if people should be worried by his recent lack of goals.

Did ok with Pardew's team. We've now reached a level he would never have got us too. Nice bloke, championship at best

Backs up what I was told by club physio - unlikely to see him get many (if any) first team minutes this season. Keeps having set backs.

Some interesting points bought up, don't get me wrong I like him as a player, his build up play is superb and he does cause problems. I had him down as FGS yesterday and when it didn't come in I just had a quick look back at his recent form and noticed the lack of goals. I wonder what people's opinions would be on the matter if we were 14th?

He's had a a back injury and a thing/groin injury as far as I'm aware. Taking a while as had a few set backs, club are putting him under zero pressure due to importance in physical development.

It'll take a while for Rodriguez to get back to form (if he ever gets back there) and will Gallagher score enough this season to keep us up the top of the league?

Leslie Reed.

It's all well and good atm, when others are contributing goals, but he should be doing a lot better. Need another striker.

No goal in last 7 games an only 2 in last 15. Time to start getting worried? Our only other recognized striker, Long, has 1 in his last 13. Signing a striker is crucial in the next few weeks.

We need a striker if we are going to make the top 4.

Right, four teams left - who's everyone backing? I'd love to see the Packers do it but think Brady may get another ring.

Job done.

I suppose we'll wait and see then. In terms of the insurance, the only insurance the player wouldn't be covered for is personal accident, which only equates to the players eligible to train and play - Rodriguez won't be able to play. As long as he passes a medical before training he'll be covered.

could not agree more

Don't agree, or don't want to agree? I have no knowledge of how clubs conduct medicals, but any club after him will be aware of his knee injury, I would presume that they'll assess the rest of his body, and go by the notes/medical advice on his knee?

From the conversation that I've had with one of the Physio's at the club, he isn't expected back to full training until mid-late April (baring any further set-backs). Will the fact he has injured one of the main ligaments in his knee affect his game? yes of course it will - you don't need to be a medical professional to realise this. Jay's game was about pace and agility, something which relies on having strong knees. There are numerous athletes in all sports that suffer knee ligament injuries and come back, there are others however that suffer them and then seem to be "dogged" by them. Ryan Taylor at Newcastle is a prime example. Don't get me wrong, I like Rodriguez and I want him to come and make a full come back, but nearly 9 months after the injury he still can't walk 100 yards unaided (again from club's physio). In terms of "cashing in" - sell him. If media reports are to be believed there are a few clubs willing to pay what I would call "big" money for him. Let's not kid ourselves, he only really had 1/2 a season in the PL which can be considered "good" - he did ok in his first year but hardly set the world alight. There were better players out there than him before he got injured and there still are. This is Jay Rodriguez, not Messi. Take the money and buy a replacement, feel sorry for the boy but this is professional sport no room for sympathy.

He's much an improvement on Billy Sharp. Sharp is an average Championship player who was playing very well before we signed him. His form since Saints got promoted has shown that.

I'm just being realistic. I have to be ruthless for my work and I suppose that mindset is hard to get out of. £20m is what has been quoted in the press. Only reason I used that figure.

Your argument would be valid if he wasn't looking at over a year out with a VERY serious injury. The likelihood of him ever getting back to the form he showed for the 1/2 season before injury is declining. I'd cash in on him and get someone who can walk.

I'd take £20m for him. The club aren't expecting him back anytime soon. It's a risk selling him, but more of a risk buying him. IF he gets back to how he was before his injury then the fee is about right - but the chances of that happening lessen with every set back that he has. If he doesn't get to being as good as he was - we've got ourselves a decent deal. £20m for someone who only really had just over half a good season in the PL and can't walk 100 yards unaided is a no-brainer in my eyes.