James Beattie has hit five goals in his first eight games for Stoke City

Stoke City striker James Beattie is aiming to score for a fourth straight home game when Middlesbrough visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

But the 31-year-old has admitted he would sacrifice a goal for three points against relegation-threatened Boro.

Beattie told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's nice to get goals in front of your home fans and help get the team some points.

"I would sacrifice a goal - we've all got make sure that we're playing in the Premier League next year."

Beattie has netted four times in the three games he has had at his new home ground since signing from Sheffield United in January.

He scored the winner on his home debut against Manchester City and followed that up with a brace against Portsmouth, before scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Bolton.

Stoke's next four fixtures are all against teams in the bottom half of the table.

"Obviously you look at all the fixtures," said Beattie. "But the only game we're concentrating on is Boro on Saturday.

"We'll be looking to pick up maximum points because it's at The Brit and they are a team around us at the bottom."

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