Beattie training with Bournemouth in search of next move

Former England striker James Beattie is training with League One side Bournemouth following his release from SPL side Rangers at the end of last season.

Beattie, 33, has been given the chance to regain some fitness and train with the side and manager Lee Bradbury has revealed that he is interested in signing the former Southampton striker but will not be rushed into a decision as, at the moment, it is an arrangement through convenience for both parties.

"Obviously it would be a massive plus for us if we could sign someone of James' Calibre", said Bradbury. "We will see where it goes, there's nothing too concrete in it and he's really come to get some time under his belt".

A former Saints icon, under the successful stewardship of Gordon Strachan that resulted in an FA Cup Final, a place in Europe and al 5 of his England caps, Beattie is back living in the city and a move may well materialise if he proves himself in training and both him and the club are a fit.

Beattie, 33, revealed after his first training session with the Cherries, ahead of their FA Cup tie with Gillingham today, that he was in need of the training and remained coy over any potential move.

Beattie said; "I've been training on my own which is quite difficult so I'm just here to get a bit of sharpness really. I'm very grateful to the club and to Lee and it's essential I get some training in and some match time between now and January."