MIKAEL Nilsson has outlined his recipe for improved performances - hard work on the training pitch.

The Swedish international was predominantly deployed as a right midfielder by his former club Halmstads.

He was mainly used as a right-back during Euro 2004 after starting the first game against Bulgaria on the right of midfield. He was also played at left-back against Holland in the quarter-finals.

But he was used on the left-hand side of midfied for his Premiership baptism of fire at Aston Villa last weekend.

Nilsson, above, was withdrawn at half-time, though he had gone close to scoring in a dismal first 45 minutes for Saints.

"It wasn't the opening I had imagined," he remarked.

"I didn't play well and started very bad.

"Of course I was nervous walking on to the pitch, but it disappeared once the game started."

Saints boss Paul Sturrock admitted Nilsson's first competitive game for the club would have been "a culture shock" compared to the Swedish League.

"They push up the tempo (in England) and it is something else than what one is used to," Nilsson continued.

"I had problems keeping up with it at intervals.

"But I think it is something you will get used to and all I can do is work hard in training."

Meanwhile, James Beattie is only rated 50/50 to be fit for Saturday's home game against former club Blackburn.

But Saints have dismissed veiled suggestions that his thigh problem may have been a diplomatic injury which ruled him out of the opener at Aston Villa.

Physio Jim Joyce added: "It is a genuine problem. The scan has shown a small muscle tear and there is no way he could have played on Saturday.

"He has shown some improvement and has now begun jogging although it is still too early say if he will be fit for Saturday.

"He will certainly need another scan before going back into full training - just as a precaution to make sure the muscle has healed."