GORDON STRACHAN believes goal-scorers will be the key to Saints' hopes of winning their relegation battle.

Harry Redknapp's men are currently only above the drop-zone on goal difference following back-to-back victories for West Brom.

But the man who masterminded survival for Saints in 2001/02 before leading them to the 2003 FA Cup final remains confident in his former club, particularly given the recent form of Peter Crouch.

"I think it is all about goal-scorers. It gives you a chance of winning games," said Strachan.

"I just worry about Crystal Palace now Andy Johnson has gone off the boil a little bit. Peter Crouch is on a good run and that will definitely help them."

Saints' Graeme Le Saux appeared with Strachan on Sunday night's Match of the Day 2 programme and was inevitably quizzed about the very public dust-up between Newcastle's Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer.

The veteran left-sided player was famously involved in a clash with David Batty when the duo were team-mates at Blackburn.

"It is the most embarrassing and shameful incident of my career. You are letting everyone down." said Le Saux.

Of Bowyer and Dyer, he added: "In this situation there are a set of circumstances that have led to it. There are a lot of words spoken in matches.

"There is obviously a personality clash. It is embarrassing and we will have to see how they deal with it."

Strachan's tipped to take over at Pompey - see Football.