JAMES BEATTIE capped a wonderful 2003 by being named BBC South Footballer of the Year last night.

Fresh from the 3-2 win against Charlton at St Mary's, the Saints striker made the short trip to the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel to collect his award, beating Pompey's Linvoy Primus and Bournemouth's Carl Fletcher to the prize.

Beattie scored 24 goals last season and already has ten this campaign.

The 25-year-old also helped Saints to the FA Cup final in Cardiff and broke into Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad, winning four international caps in 2003. "It's been a good year," he said. "The FA Cup final was obviously a highlight and the fans that day were magnificent.

"But my goals are thanks to the whole team. The chances don't come by magic.

"The European Championships with England is definitely an aim next year, but that is up to Mr Eriksson. I have to get as many goals as I can for Southampton to put us as high as possible in the league and hopefully we can go one step further in the FA Cup."

Of yesterday's five-goal thriller against Charlton, Beattie admitted he was pleased to see striking partner Brett Ormerod score twice - his first league goals of the season.

He said: "Brett works tremendously hard for the side and I was pleased for him."