IT'S hard to draw another conclusion from James Beattie's comments at the weekend than he is close to leaving Saints.

On the eve of a match against Manchester United, the timing wasn't very good, but that message seemed fairly clear.

None of this will be particularly palatable to already depressed Saints fans, but they should try to think positively about a possible Beattie exit.

He has been a great player for Saints, particularly during the 2002/3 season, but perhaps he needs a fresh challenge.

Consciously he is the sort to try his heart out in every game, but subconsciously, after six years' excellent service for Saints, you do wonder how he now feels.

Injuries have contributed, but physically, he does not look quite as fit and sharp as two years ago, while mentally he is probably fed up of people constantly asking him about his future. The whole England experience, when he was harshly dropped at the end of last year, has also probably drained him.

Throughout his career Beattie has shown an impressive capacity to bounce back from adversity, but his international treatment would have hurt.

Since his rejection, Beattie's form has only been sporadic. Goals have been harder to come by and niggling injuries have upset his rhythm.

That Beattie could feel he needs new surroundings to inspire him might be a shame, but it is understandable. Football provokes unique passions, but really it is no crime to seek a new challenge every so often in your professional life.

Of course, it's the fact Saints are struggling badly that will hurt fans who would expect a senior player to be rallying the troops and not talking about his own future.

Football-wise, the possible loss of Beattie would appear massive.

He has been the club's main source of goals for two years - 24 in 2002/03 and 17 last season - while the highs and lows of his form have tended to coincide with parallel ebbs and flows for the whole club.

At his best, he is the heartbeat of the team and without him, it is difficult to see where the necessary goals are going to come from.

A settled, fit and determined Beattie would remain a huge asset.

But if he is unsettled, it is better to let him move on. Unhappy people in any industry have a draining effect on others and, right now, team spirit is absolutely everything for Saints.

Of course, if he does want to move to a club like Everton or Aston Villa, it can be seen as a pretty sad indictment of how far Saints have fallen since the departure of Gordon Strachan.

It is likely that Beattie has been as frustrated as any fan at Saints' lack of big-money additions in the transfer market.

Certainly if he does leave for £6m or so, it is imperative the money is ploughed back into the squad, especially the midfield area.

With or without Beattie, a signing of some impact - even if it is only on loan - is desperately needed right now.

The team again looked short of confidence on Saturday and a catalyst to spark the season is desperately required from somewhere.

Beattie, of course, is the sort of personality who could still be that catalyst.

The task for Steve Wigley and Rupert Lowe is to genuinely convince him that the bigger and better challenge is to stay a Saint and be a true inspiration for the team.

If they can't, Saints are better to say a dignified 'thank-you, goodbye and good luck'.