Beattie to Leave St Mary's?

By Matthew Jones
August 22 2003

James Beattie has admitted he would quit St Mary's if it meant staying in the England squad.

Southampton and England striker James Beattie has admitted that he would quit St Mary's if it meant staying in the national team.

Speaking to "Esquire magazine", the striker said: "I've signed a contract to 2006. But I'm ambitious and, if I thought going to another club would help my England chances, I'd have to consider it.

"Because a club can sell you at any time, loyalty is more from a fans' point of view. They're not impressed when a player moves from club to club. But, at the end of the day, there is nothing you can do about it."

Beattie has been watched closely by Sir Bobby Robson over the last season, and would be the ideal replacement for Alan Shearer.

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