Shaun Goater is sure he has one more season left in him ? although there is every chance it won?t be spent at Reading.

The leading scorer for the Royals last season has made just two league starts this campaign after being cast into the wilderness by boss Steve Coppell for contractual reasons.

But Goater, who is unlikely to feature in any of the remaining eight games as Reading attempt to stay in the play-off hunt, is determined to play professional football for one more year, although where he will do so is not expected to emerge until the summer break.

?I know I have another season left in me,? said Goater, who has started almost as many games for his country this season as he has for his club.

?I am not ready to call it quits yet. I am not interested in retiring this summer. I am not going to be pretend it hasn?t been frustrating for me at times this year but I have not had enough of football.

?I feel I have something to offer for one more year.?

Despite suffering the ignominy of spending what should be his penultimate season as a distinguished pro in the reserves, on the bench and out of favour, Goater, displaying all the traits of the ultimate pro, is refusing to condemn his club or manager and won?t even rule out spending another year with the Championship club, with whom he is contracted for another season.

?Obviously I am out of the reckoning at the moment at Reading,? said Goater, whose fate was sealed when it was revealed that one more appearance for the club would cost them ?50,000, a payment due to Manchester City after the veteran striker?s 50th appearance ? he has been stuck on 49 since last year.

?But that could still change. We are at a vital stage in the season and if there is an emergency and they need me, ?50,000 isn?t a lot of money to pay out when there is a play-off place at stake.

?I admit I am not expecting to play any of these matches but, like I say, in exceptional circumstances they might give me a chance.?

And Goater was remaining tight-lipped on what would take place at the end of the season, particularly if Reading don?t get promoted.

?I can?t see beyond the next few games for now,? continued The Goat, who retains legendary status at Manchester City despite his lowly standing at the Madejski Stadium.

?I don?t know about the future. I just want to get through the season and then worry about that sort of thing in the summer.

?I am a Reading player and I am ready and willing if they call me.?

Goater?s future with the Royals is very much dependent on how the season finishes for the side, with rumours that Coppell may get the boot if Reading don?t secure at least a play-off place.

The team moved back into the thick of the play-off hunt with a 1-0 victory at Brighton last night which lifted them into sixth place.

Coppell?s arrival at the club signalled the start of Goater?s fall down the pecking order and his departure could have the reverse effect with a new boss potentially treating Goater with the respect that former manager Alan Pardew did when he signed him from City for ?500,000.

If Coppell doesn?t leave, it seems that either Reading will have to restructure the deal with City or Goater may have to pack his bags after just two years.

It is understood Goater is unwilling to uproot his family again or drop down the divisions, leaving him to look for Championship clubs in the London area like Queen?s Park Rangers, who put in a loan bid for him earlier this year.

Were Reading to get promoted, Goater could then find himself back in favour as the ?50,000 would pale into insignificance alongside the millions of pounds that promotion brings and the striker could also bring some much-needed Premiership experience to the side.