Beattie nets new Saints deal

SOUTHAMPTON striker James Beattie has signed a new contract which will tie him to the Barclaycard Premiership club until 2006.

Beattie, scorer of 16 top-flight goals this season, put pen to paper on his new deal yesterday after discussions with Saints chairman Rupert Lowe.

The 24-year-old, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2005, said the arrivals of David Prutton, from Nottingham Forest, and Danny Higginbotham, from Derby, before the transfer window closed last week helped him to sign.

Under the leadership of Gordon Strachan, Southampton have mounted a challenge for a place in Europe next season on the back of Beattie’s goals. The striker is hoping his impressive form this campaign will earn him his first call-up for the full England squad.

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Davies believes the first 20 minutes will be crucial if Southampton are to avoid being upset by Millwall in their FA Cup fourth-round replay tonight.

Saints take on Millwall at the New Den having narrowly avoided being knocked out of the competition by the First Division side 10 days ago thanks to Davies’ last-minute equaliser.

The former Blackburn and England U-21 striker knows exactly what to expect from Mark McGhee’s side and their fans, having spent two months on loan with them earlier in the season.

But Davies believes that Southampton can go through to a home game against Norwich in the next round if they prevent Millwall from scoring in the opening exchanges.

Davies said: “We didn’t play badly in the first game but they were better and we know it will be a very tough replay. I know from my time there that the crowd will be with them for the first 20 minutes but if we can weather the storm and turn them then I’m sure we can go on and win.

“It’s up to us to disappoint those people looking for an upset with the game on live television. I think the match will be very similar to the first one and will be settled by one goal.

“We were lucky in the first game but we’ve got another chance and we have a good draw at home (against Norwich) if we can go through.”

Saints boss Gordon Strachan said: “Unless we’re unlucky then I think we can win the game providing we play the same way as we did against Manchester United last weekend.

“If we get the same number of crosses and goal attempts in against Millwall as we did then and in the first game then I will be pleased.”

Antti Niemi looks set to continue in goal for Southampton despite being stretchered off against Manchester United. A precautionary scan has shown no knee ligament damage and only bruising, so he has a good chance of being passed fit to play.

Midfielder Rory Delap is back jogging and making progress, but he faces a late fitness test on his calf strain. Agustin Delgado is likely to be missing again due to a knee complaint

Marian Pahars is still around a month away from playing (ankle), while England defender Wayne Bridge is out with a calf injury.

Republic of Ireland winger Steven Reid returns from suspension for Millwall. But they will be without captain Stuart Nethercott (groin). Striker Neil Harris is two weeks from a comeback after twisting an ankle.