Beattie: We need Shearer

James Beattie will try to persuade Alan Shearer to come out of international retirement for next month's European Championship Finals. The Southampton striker knows an eye-catching goal tonight could help win him a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.

But if he does not go to Portugal, Beattie intends to use his friendship with Shearer to persuade the Newcastle legend to have a last tilt at England glory. 'I think Alan should give it a go,' said Beattie. 'If he mentioned to Mr Eriksson that he was available he would be one of the first names on the squad list.

'It seems he has made his decision, but I may still have a word with him. 'Alan is undoubtedly still the best striker of his type around. Owen and Rooney are totally different. He's a traditional centre forward who puts himself about. He gets into positions and scores lots of goals. He's still the best at that and it shows in his return this season. England's prospects would be a lot better if Alan Shearer came out of retirement.'

Beattie's 15-goal haul for Southampton is a long way adrift of Shearer's 28 for Newcastle, although he spent six weeks out at the start of the year when former St Mary's manager Gordon Strachan thought he needed a break.

Beattie has been seen as Shearer's long-term replacement at Newcastle but he said: 'I am just concentrating on the final two games of the season. 'Then I will be going to Portugal or going on holiday. I am very settled here. I still have a couple of years to go on my contract and there's nothing to suggest that I will be leaving.

'I have been linked with most Premiership clubs, not just Newcastle, but I am just getting on with things and I am happy to do so.'