JAMES BEATTIE hopes his blossoming partnership with Brett Ormerod can strike fear into the hearts of Premiership defences.

Saints have hit 13 goals since Gordon Strachan paired them together four games ago - with the deadly duo scoring ten between them, including a hat-trick apiece.

That compares with just four team goals in the first eight Premiership matches as Strachan tried various striking combinations of Beattie, Ormerod, Marian Pahars, Jo Tessem and even midfielder Anders Svensson.

Beattie, who scored the first hat-trick of his career in Sunday's 4-2 win against Fulham, said: "It's going well with Brett and hopefully we can both stay injury free and forge a partnership.

"I was glad Brett scored as he had won me the penalty. I was really pleased for him to get the last goal.

"The lads are playing good stuff and the team spirit is great. We are on a roll."

With proven international Agustin Delgado now back in first-team action and Pahars still to return from illness, Saints' goal-scoring options are looking increasingly bright.

Strachan was full of praise for the whole team but said he was delighted with the attacking players.

"We were one dimensional, but we've got the variation back into our play and become a better side again," he said.

"We still have Marian to come back and both Beattie and Ormerod are players that can work with anyone.

"Beattie has good imagination and character. He works very hard and is a good athlete.

"He can also score goals with the right type of service.

"I did my homework on Brett Ormerod before I came to Saints and thought to myself if I ever get back into the game he is one I want."

He added: "I'm pleased with the whole team. There is some right good players at the club. I can look at the bench now and think 'you can do something'.

"That is how I measure our progress."

The Saints boss praised the flair and workrate of Frenchman Fabrice Fernandes, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, and Matthew Oakley, who produced an outstanding display in midfield as a late replacement for Rory Delap.

Strachan also confirmed that Delgado would continue his comeback for the reserves tonight in their game against Fulham at St Mary's, kicking-off at 7pm.

Wayne Bridge, who bravely played through the pain to notch up an amazing 100th consecutive Premiership appearance against Fulham on Sunday, is hopeful of recovering from an ankle injury in time for Saturday's Premiership match against Manchester Utd at Old Trafford.