HE'S pledged his allegiance to Southampton and is set to dazzle supporters at St Mary's for another season.

Now Saints' female fans are rejoicing for another reason - as James Beattie becomes the city's most eligible bachelor.

The 26-year-old heartthrob has split up with girlfriend Sarah, who he has been linked with for more than two years.

During last year's FA Cup run, there were rumours that the Lancaster-born striker had even proposed to the Southampton student - but this week's break-up is said to be final.

Now dating experts have put Beattie at the top of Southampton's "best catch" list - and have warned it won't be long before he's spotted out with a new woman on his arm.

Aussie pop princess Holly Valance has been among those to voice their admiration for the footballer.

Potential girlfriends could be in for a celebrity, jet-set lifestyle.

The football hero with the boy-next-door model looks is worth a staggering £7m or £8m on the Premiership transfer market, and takes home in excess of £15,000 a week.

As well as being the face of men's high street fashion store Burton, Beattie is the local ambassador for low-cost airline Flybe.

Southampton's top scorer has also proved he can captivate his audience off the pitch as well as on.

Beattie stole the show when he appeared in Sky One's football diaries and though he missed out on an England call-up to Euro 2004, he won the hearts of fans with his frankness and easy-going manner.

But would-be Mrs Beatties pitching for the star's affections are in line for some tough competition.

If no suitable match can be found among the bevy of Beattie fans, a Hampshire dating firm has pledged to help the star out.

Anya Slatter, from Chandler's Ford introduction agency Preludes, said: "Obviously he's a great catch, the best in the area. I would say he's going to have lots and lots of ladies after him - a queue of women - but of course it depends on how fussy he is."