Rodrigues on his way?

Last updated : 06 May 2002 By Christian Kelly
Only last year, Dani broke into the first team and impressed with his commitment. However, two leg breaks have pretty much ruled him out for over a year. Now, having just returned to fitness, Dani finds himself having to impress a new manager with time running out. Dani told the official site: "My contract is up in June so it is now time see whether I stay or leave. I think we will be talking in the next couple of weeks."The manager has not seen much of me since he came here and although it is hard to impress in training I need to show him what I can do.

"I will be able to play in Matthew Le Tissier's testimonial if I am wanted but it is always hard to make an impression in those games which are more of a party than a proper match.

"I was not match-fit when he came here and went on loan four weeks later so he has not really seen me play at my best. Although he watched me in the Reserves I was still recovering then.

"Now though I feel good. There is no problem with the leg and I really hope the club will give me a chance by keeping me on.

"I would be happy even to get a year. That would at least give me time to show who I am, what I can do and the potential that I have. Then hopefully earn a better deal at the end of it.

"I definitely want to stay if I can. Everyone knows I do not want to move away. I feel very confident here, I have a lot of friends, I like the place and the club and it does not cross my mind to leave.

"But of course it depends if they want me and if there is no contract then I will have to move away but I am optimistic they will come up with something.

"Although the manager has not seen much of me there are plenty of other staff at the club who know me and they can advise him so hopefully it will work out."

Ahead of him in the striking queue are Beattie, Davies, Ormerod, Pahars, Delgado and McDonald. However Davies and Delgado may be leaving and Strachan may wish for some extra cover.