Beattie interview causes controversy

The Southampton striker, who appeared as a second half substitute for England during their midweek win over Croatia, has conducted an interview with glossy magazine Esquire, where he made some frank declarations.

It is perhaps not an indication that he is keen to quit St Mary's, as has been suggested in some quarters, as Beattie has started a new partnership with Kevin Phillips which is already looking lethal.

"I've signed a contract to 2006," he stressed. "But I'm ambitious and, if I thought going to another club would help my England chances, I'd have to consider it.

"Because a club can sell you at any time, loyalty is more from a fans' point of view.

"They're not impressed when a player moves from club to club.

"But, at the end of the day, there is nothing you can do about it."

The interview may have been taken a little out of context, and there can be little doubting Beattie will still be firing in the goals for Gordon Strachan's men when the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.