JAMES Beattie could be facing a month on the sidelines after suffering a suspected fractured toe in the 0-0 draw against Manchester City at St Mary's.

The frontman hobbled off after l8 minutes and was taken to hospital to have the damage X-rayed.

After the match Steve Wigley said: "It will probably be very sore for four to five weeks. He caught the bottom of somebody's boot but he couldn't get off the ground and he had to come off.

We did consider an injection but that would have only prolonged the problem.

"We'll just have to wait and see how it settles down."

Despite being a goalless draw it was an entertaining match, although Saints were fortunate City didn't run away with it in the first half before getting into the game after the break and even having a couple of good chances themselves at the death.

City boss Kevin Keegan added: "I thought other than the final pass at at times our performance here merited not just a win but a good win."

Saints 0 : Man City 0