FOR Jay Rodriguez, Saturday’s final pre-season fixture at Deportivo La Coruña carries far more significance than one final chance to prepare for the Premier League campaign.
Albion’s new forward heads back to the part of northern Spain where he spent time on holiday as a youngster, visiting members of the Rodriguez clan who still live in A Coruña.
He will step out at the Estadio Riazor on Saturday evening knowing he has the support not only of the travelling Baggies, but also several members of his family who will be in attendance.
Rodriguez sees the encounter against the La Liga outfit (ko 8.30pm) as the perfect way to bring down the curtain on what has been a successful pre-season for the 28-year-old.
He said: “I have family connections with Deportivo La Coruna and the area.
“My dad was brought up there and I still have family living over there.
“I think he was also on the books at Deportivo, but I’m not too sure about that one.
“He has gone out to Spain with my brother and my brother’s friend and they will be meeting up with my family when they are over there.
“I remember spending time out there with my family as a youngster.
“It’ll be good to have my family at the game and it’ll be really nice to see them too.
“I always try to look out for Deportivo’s results but it can be difficult when Real Madrid and Barcelona are always on the television.
“I’ve never actually played at the Estadio Riazor but it looks a really nice ground and it’ll be a really good test for us.
“It’s a really good game for us to finish pre-season on. It’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been tough, but that’s what it’s all about. I’m feeling fit.”