Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez has insisted that his side should have beaten Espanyol in their final pre-season game.

The England striker fired in a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw and, although he admitted that the goal was special, he is adamant that the Spanish side were there for the taking.

He told the club's official website: "Every goal means a lot to me, whatever the opposition, especially having missed out for a year but this one does mean a lot with it coming at St Mary's.

"It was really nice to step up at St Mary's in front of the crowd and to get 90 minutes and a good run-out. It was a good occasion for us all. It's a lot better to draw than lose, but we're disappointed because we thought we could win the game.

"The intensity was there and we played our game but it should've clicked a little bit better. The game was obviously a little bit frustrating but it was important for me to get those 90 minutes and a good workout."

Southampton start the season away at Newcastle United.