DORCHESTER Town have announced the signing of Weymouth winger Aaron Rodriguez on a month’s loan deal. 

The 21-year-old had penned a one-year contract with the Terras but has found his first-team opportunities limited, while struggling for football since the collapse of the club’s reserve team. 

Rodriguez told Echosport that he was “thankful” for the chance to play more regularly. 

He said: “I’ve obviously had to be patient and I’ve had to be even more so this year. Dorchester have given me this opportunity to get minutes and it’s as simple as that. 

“I’m thankful to Dorchester and Steve Thompson for giving me this opportunity.”

With Dorchester possessing the likes of fellow wide men Tom Blair and Ed Bastick, Rodriguez is not concerned and feels competition for places “brings out the best” in players. 

He said: “I’ve seen what they can all do and there’s plenty of competition for places. They’re all good players. 

“Competition for places is good and it brings out the best in people so it should be OK.”

Rodriguez is also looking forward to hearing any chants about his move to the Terras’ nearest rivals, but admits he would be satisfied if he could “help both teams out” during his loan spell. 

“I’m expecting (a reaction) from either end but that’s part of football so I look forward to hearing any of it. 

“If I can help both teams out by beating teams in and around the top and bottom I’m happy with that. 

“It was mainly about fitness but I’m hoping to score a few goals and get my season up and running in this month. We’ll see what the future holds after this loan,” he said. 

Magpies’ manager Steve Thompson feels Rodriguez has a lot of “potential” having seen him play earlier in his career. 

He said: “Aaron’s always had a lot of potential and never quite fulfilled that. I know he’s got lots of ability. 

“I watched him play for Frome when he was 18 in the first team and he’s a good finisher and a good provider of chances. 

“He adds to the competition very much in those wide places.”

Commenting on Rodriguez’s departure, Weymouth boss Mark Molesley said that the winger was “frustrated” with his lack of opportunity.

“Rodders is probably frustrated with his lack of opportunity. Everyone wants to be playing football and I think it’s important that he goes out and gets football. 

“He’s missed quite a bit of football and it’s important that he goes out and gets himself fitter.

“Rodders’ talent is never in doubt. He’s a really talented individual. 

“He needs to get a run of games to get his fitness and a bit more confidence around him because he’s certainly got the tools to go and succeed there. He’s got to go and prove it,” he said.