JAMES Beattie could need a few injuries to rival strikers if he is to be included in Sven Goran Eriksson's England squad for Euro 2004.

The Saints man, who won four caps in 2003, is now a long-shot for a place despite an impressive tally of more than 40 goals in the past two seasons.

He has a better goalscoring record than most of his rivals but it appears Beattie is now behind the likes of Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Alan Smith and Darius Vassell in the pecking order.

Saints boss Paul Sturrock said: "I would like to think Beattie will be in the England squad.

"I think it would be dependent on injuries and I think he is appreciative of that as he has not been in the last few squads.

"He has scored 17 or 18 goals this season and he has 26 goals a season in his locker.

"Being a striker, I would like to tinker with him in the close season, because I feel I can benefit him."

"I think he was unfortunate that Kevin Phillips came after pre-season last summer and it took a while for them to settle and they couldn't get a relationship together.

"A lot was asked of them at the start of the season and there was a lot of pressure on them to score the goals."

Sturrock, though, is more than happy with the recent form of captain Beattie.

"I think he was excellent against Newcastle and the second half on Saturday," he said.

"He won his headers and put them on the back foot.

"He has been a good captain for me, he has run the line well and he has shown me there are other things to his game."