SAINTS star James Beattie has scooped a double honour.

Beattie was yesterday presented with the Barclaycard Premiership Player of the Month award for November.

He follows in the footsteps of international trio Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry and Gianfranco Zola - the three previous winners of the award in 2002/03.

It is Beattie's second such award - he first won the trophy in December 2000.

The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans. A panel statement said: "It is no coincidence that Southampton's renaissance coincided with James Beattie's return to goalscoring form.

"His poacher's instinct and unselfish link up play have made him an integral part of the Saints' success, as displayed by his heroics against Arsenal.

"If he maintains this purple patch there is no reason he shouldn't be a contenders for the prestigious Barclaycard Golden Boot."

The 24-year-old, who has blasted nine Premiership goals in his last seven appearances, has also won the Daily Echo Player of the Month award for November.

He pipped goalkeeper Antti Niemi for the honour and was being presented with his trophy prior to today's game against Birmingham City at St Mary's.

Beattie's goal against West Ham on Monday was his 41st for Saints in 112 appearances since a £1m move to the south coast from Blackburn Rovers in July 1998.