RODRIGUEZ: CUP NIGHTS ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Striker Jay Rodriguez previews this evening's cup clash with Spurs

2021-10-27T12:32:42.951Z

RODRIGUEZ: CUP NIGHTS ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL

Striker Jay Rodriguez previews this evening's cup clash with Spurs

2021-10-27T12:32:42.951Z

Striker Jay Rodriguez previews this evening's cup clash with Spurs

Jay Rodriguez is relishing the prospect of renewing Carabao Cup rivalries with Tottenham after memorably getting on the scoresheet in the thrilling semi-final between the sides in 2009.

Rodriguez was part of the side that hosted Spurs at Turf Moor in the second leg of the semi-final in 2009 having lost the first leg 4-1 at White Hart Lane.

Playing in the Championship at the time, the Clarets forced extra-time with Rodriguez scoring the third goal to propel them into a 3-0 lead after 90 minutes.

Late goals in the half an hour added on from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe saw Tottenham progress, but Rodriguez still has fond memories of that match and the promotion that followed later that season.

He said: “The atmosphere that night and the feeling, knowing we were underdogs, and then getting belief was incredible. I think a few of us thought we had got through.

RODRIGUEZ: CUP NIGHTS ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL - Image 1

“I think the grit and determination to get back from what we couldn’t do against a great side in Tottenham, it showed what that team had, the capabilities. That showed our character. It was a night to remember, even from a sad point of view.

“As a young lad, it was a learning curve. I learnt a lot that night and in the aftermath I learnt a lot, looking at experience. Just having that was really important for myself.

“It was motivational for us and a drive. It was disappointment for us that night, but it swiftly changed for us. We used that disappointment to build momentum.”

Over a decade on and with wins over Newcastle and Rochdale already under Burnley’s belt, a shot at silverware is potentially not too far away.

Rodriguez scored four against Rochdale to become Burnley’s highest ever scorer in the competition, and scored his first goal for the Clarets in an EFL Cup match against Fulham.

He added: “Cup nights are always special. If you’re the underdog you can create a great upset. It’s anyone’s game on the night. For any team it’s always a great night, and hopefully it’s another one tonight.

RODRIGUEZ: CUP NIGHTS ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL - Image 2

“You’ve got to go into these cups believing you can do something in them. The atmosphere against Rochdale was brilliant.

“There’s no reason to think that we can’t progress further, otherwise there’s no point in being in the cup. For anyone to get to Wembley would be amazing.

“You’ve got to believe, but you’ve always got to think of the next hurdle which is going to be Tottenham. We know it’s going to be a tough task but it would be great for the club.”

Burnley take on Tottenham at Turf Moor tonight for a place in the last eight of the EFL Cup, with kick-off at 7.45pm.