SAINTS BOSS Glenn Hoddle admitted there are times when he dreads the phone ringing, but then stressed that if he does need to bolster his squad, he can't afford to make mistakes.

James Beattie's ninth goal in as many games again thrust him into the limelight and Hoddle conceded the striker might now become the target for bigger fish.

And as a 2-0 win over Spurs brought Saints to within one point of a Leeds squad that has had around £40 million lavished on it this year alone, Hoddle admitted the difference in spending power presents a different type of pressure.

"You know you might get that telephone call and it might be the last thing you would want to do, but if it gives you the chance to improve the squad with four or five players, then you would have to take it.

"I haven't got the luxury of going to the bank and getting seven or eight million pounds for a player.

"As manager of Southampton you accept that at present but it presents a different set of pressures to those with money to spend.

"They can perhaps afford to take a bit of a gamble on one or two players, and they might not come off.

"There is a little bit of money available but when and if I have to use it, I can't afford to make a mistake and I have to buy exactly the right player."