FORMER Saints ace James Beattie has been blown away by the way Shane Long has “flourished” at St Mary’s this season.

And he believes the only thing really missing from Long’s game is more goals.

Beattie knows all too well about finishing goalscoring chances, having netted 76 goals for Saints in 235 appearances.

He considers striker Long as one of the standout performers for Ronald Koeman’s team this term.

“I’ve been really impressed with Shane,” said Beattie.

“He gives Southampton that extra dimension of stretching teams and that allows the players behind him to get on the ball.

“I’ve been really pleased for Shane.”

The Republic of Ireland international is joint 11-goal top-scorer with Graziano Pelle this season and, after initially being a bit part player after his £12m move from Hull City in 2014, he has become a key man for Koeman.

The 28-year-old has surpassed his best-ever Premier League campaign, having netted nine times and is always one of the first names on the teamsheet.

“He works tirelessly and everybody appreciates that. That was a big part of my game as well,” Beattie explained.

“He never stops running for the cause and this season he’s started to get his reward for that hard work.

“He’s been getting himself in great positions, if he could just heighten his conversion rate a little, then he’d be magnificent.

“He lifts the whole team and the whole stadium when he plays and I think he’s done tremendously well.

“He gives you that extra dimension where he worries defenders with his pace, they drop off and that allows the lads in the middle of the park to get on the ball.

“He’s flourished this season.”

Beattie has been out of work after leaving his role as assistant coach at Swansea City.

He followed fellow ex-Saint Garry Monk, who was manager at the Liberty Stadium, through the exit door in December. 

The 38-year-old meanwhile has called for patience over Jay Rodriguez’s return.

The former Burnley man recently recovered from a second long term injury, starting his first game since October in the 4-2 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

“He’ll want to play every game, every minute but when you’ve been out for so long it’s important to manage his game time and to make sure that he doesn’t do too much,” he said.