West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez: This is why we play football
Jay Rodriguez is ready to do battle with Villa again – claiming ‘these are the games we play football for’.
The striker has already scored twice against Albion’s play-off opponents this season, helping the Baggies win four points from their rivals.
Although he concedes Dean Smith’s men are on form, he says Albion must concentrate on themselves.
“They’re massive games,” admitted Rodriguez. “These are the ones you play football for.
“These are the ones you work hard to get back from injury for. Villa have got talented players but we have as well.
“It’s about how we approach it, we’ve got to be right, that’s the main thing.”
Rodriguez helped Burnley win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs 10 years ago, when the Clarets beat Reading in the semi-final and Sheffield United in the final.
“For me the play-offs are cup finals,” he said. “It can swing both ways. We’ve got to make sure we’re 100 per cent right on our game and not worry too much about everybody else.”
The first leg is at Villa Park this Saturday, where Albion won 2-0 in March thanks to Rodriguez’s goal and Hal Robson-Kanu’s header.
But Robson-Kanu is unlikely to be available after picking up a straight red card in injury time against Derby on Sunday. Albion will decide today whether to appeal it or not.
“Hopefully he’s not banned, but we’ll wait and see,” said Rodriguez. “It’s gutting because Hal’s a big part of the team and he works extremely hard for us. To miss him would be massive.”
That defeat at Pride Park made it one point from the last four games on the road, but Rodriguez isn’t concerned by Albion’s away form.
“If you don’t win away from home all season but win this next game that’s irrelevant,” he said. “We’ve got to be focused on what we can achieve and the main aim is to win promotion.”
One positive from Pride Park was a rocket from Stefan Johansen, who helped Fulham beat Villa at Wembley in last year’s play-off final.
“He’s brilliant, his talent speaks for itself,” said Rodriguez. “The finish was fantastic but that’s just one of his qualities, his passing range, work ethic, and off the field he’s a great lad.
“He’s fitted straight in, a really good guy, he’s humble and he works hard.
“It’s a pleasure to play alongside him, I’m really happy for him to get the goal. For him to be playing the way he is, is perfect for me and (Dwight) Gayle.”
