I like Jay Rod but he's not exactly set the world alight in the championship. There are lots of strikers like him in the premiership that score the odd goal and then go quiet for months (Reminds me if Beckford). He does have potential but he's not really shown any more than that, plus we have some of our own youngsters to try and push in through.
I'd love to see us go for a proven prem striker to compliment what we have. Someone like Defoe or Robbie Keane. I know either of these won't be everyones choice for a variety of reasons but I think that's what we need to adapt quicker.
I'm not getting your point to be honest. Jay has 21 goals this season and is only 22 years old. Secondly, how do you know there are many like him in the Premier League that go quiet and score the odd goal when he has never played there? Beckford is 28 and played in the Football League until 2010 and he didn't represent England at any level. Beckford's career has been different to Jay's, as he was 'discovered' far later than Rodriguez.
And on the not shown more than his potential point, how can you show more than your potential, because your potential is the capabilities that it is possible to be, and he can't be his potential, or that would become his ability. He scored 15 last season, and 21 this one so far. He's improving as he gets more regular football. He was selected for the England U21's so is clearly regarded well, but as he only started getting regular starts at the age of 20/21 he didn't get as many caps as he could've done. It's very hard to get anywhere near the England squad without being in the Premier League, I'd argue some of the players in the squads are less deserving than those who can't seem to get into it.
On a recent article about Rodriguez it was noted that he was interesting and being scouted by Southampton, Everton, Newcastle and Fulham. A comment from a Burnley fan read: "No surprise really. JRod is a fantastic footballer. I think the only reason we have kept him so far is the fact he is a local boy."
I don't really see what you're getting at at all. Yes Beckford scored a fair bit and hasn't been the same in the Premier League, but he did so in his later 20's, not as a young guy (at 22 Rodriguez is) who can still learn and adapt his game. Jay has the potential and if he is available in the Summer for a good price I would take him for sure0. I think our coaching staff would be able to help him make the step up if required, but I think he would do a good job for us. I'd rather sign Jay Rodriguez than what will soon be a 32 year old Robbie Keane getting megabucks in the USA who would only come if it was a big pay day, whilst Defoe would never join Southampton, as if he opted to leave Spurs there would be several stronger suitors if we are being honest.
Not having a go, just wanted to put across a reasoned counter-argument.