Claus Lundekvam is hoping Saints hit a double top this season - an England call-up for teammate James Beattie and a top-half finish.

The Norwegian centre-half has been on top form during the current campaign and completed another Premiership shutout as Saints beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night.

His side's injury winner came from Beattie who, courtesy of nine goals in seven league games, is now the Premiership's joint top scorer.

Lundekvam said: "Things are looking pretty solid and the strikers are starting to score, which was our problem earlier this season.

"James Beattie is doing very well for us and the other strikers are working very hard. I can't see why James shouldn't get a chance in the England squad - he's been playing well for the last month.

"It's hard to say how far we can go but I can see us comfortably in the top half of the table. I think people will respect us more now as teams are finding us hard to play against and we're playing some good stuff ourselves.

"We're also very fit and that showed against West Ham."

Another string of good saves from Antti Niemi also helped Saints to a victory which kept them tenth in the table.

The Finnish number one, who moved from Scottish Premier League side Hearts for £2m just before the transfer window closed, agrees with Lundekvam.

He believes a top half finish could be on the cards if Saints keep playing as well as they are now.

"A place in the top ten is possible for us this season," he said. "It's always a good sign when you don't play that well but still get the three points.

"West Ham played well while I thought we were short of our best qualities, so I'd take 1-0 any day, even if we haven't played so good.

"Every game is a big one for me since I came to Saints to play in the Premier-ship with all the new stadiums and teams.

"I've been looking forward to all this for a long time.

"I enjoyed my time with Hearts but this is a better standard, playing against some of the best players in the world."