Former Southampton striker says that Ralph Hasenhuttl has earned a new deal at the club.

Hasenhuttl was in danger of losing his job earlier this season with the Saints looking odds on to get relegated.

But he has once again turned around their form and they are now in a secure position.

Beattie thinks if the season concludes and the Saints remain the top division, Hasenhuttl has done a fantastic job.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about keeping Hasenhuttl, Beattie said: "It would be important.

"You only need to look at Brighton. Graham had a decent start to the season and, as we've seen in the past, managers are assets now.

"They tie the players down to long-term contracts, so they can't walk out of the club for free, so I think it will be prudent for the club to do the same with the manager.

"They might be in talks already I would have thought."