EX-CLARET Ade Akinbiyi believes homegrown striker Jay Rodriguez can become a full England international.

The Burnley-born forward is expected to make his debut for the Under 21s against Italy, in Empoli, this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

But just days after being called up to Stuart Pearce’s squad, Rodriguez’s mentor and former team-mate has backed him to go one step further.

“He can go all the way and play for England. I believe that 100 per cent,” said Akinbiyi.

“The boy’s got bundles of ability and he’s getting bigger and stronger all the time.

“He’s a quiet lad but he gets on with what he has to do, and if his feet do the talking the rest doesn’t matter.

“England are talking about bringing younger players through, so why not?

“But the only way he can do that is to keep putting in the performances on the pitch and doing what he is doing.”

Rodriguez signed off before his first international call-up with a goal - his seventh of the season - which sealed an important win over Akinbiyi’s first club, Norwich City, who went into the game in second place.

Akinbiyi expects the 21-year-old to attract even more attention after receiving international recognition, and has urged Burnley not to delay in finalising a new contract for the striker.

With Rodriguez’s current deal expiring in the summer, former manager Brian Laws began talks about new terms last year, and they are understood to have been picked up by new boss Eddie Howe.

“He has grown up in Burnley and is a Burnley lad, so there is that pull towards the club. It’s special to play for your hometown team.

“But Burnley have got to watch out because a lot more people will be watching him now. Teams will keep their eye on him after his Under 21 call-up,” said Akinbiyi, who was capped once by Nigeria in 1999.

“He hasn’t talked about going anywhere else though.

“For him to get more first team experience, he won’t do better than to get it at Burnley, especially as the new manager has stuck with him.”

Rodriguez cemented his place in the first team under former manager Laws, and Akinbiyi admitted that there would have been concerns for any first team regular about whether they would keep their place in the side under a new boss.

But the 36-year-old said it spoke volumes for the young striker’s talent that he has stayed in the side.

“It’s a concern for any player when a new manager comes in, but he has stuck with Jay,” he said.

“It’s great credit to him and how hard he has worked.”

Of the possibility of Rodriguez making his England bow this afternoon, he added: “I spoke to him (on Sunday) and the way he was talking was as though he would be playing some part, so hopefully he does.

“I was meant to be travelling there tomorrow but can’t and I’m gutted to miss his first game.

“I think it will do his confidence a lot of good. For anyone who puts the England shirt on, it’s a proud moment, and his family will be proud of him also.”