Shawn Goater needs two goals in three games to reach his target of 15 goals for the season with English Second Division team Rotherham.

The striker has netted just once since his four goal blitz in the 7-0 hammering of Hartlepool two weeks ago, to take his tally for the season to 13.

With two matches remaining after tonight's encounter at promotion-seeking Burnley (away to Fulham and home to already relegated Barnet) Goater can still reach his target.

"If I remain injury-free and finish off the three games I would have started in 30 games this season,'' said Goater. "And if I reach the target of 15 goals it would mean a goal in every two games.'' Rotherham eliminated their last fears of relegation when they beat Hull 1-0 on a second half goal from top scorer Imre Varadi at the weekend. Now they will be aiming to finish as high up in the standings as possible.

"The Burnley game will be a difficult game, they are in sixth place and are looking to get in the play-offs so they won't give anything away,'' said Goater. "They've got a tremendous record at home, but we've been on a quite a good run so it should be a good game.'' Goater admits a good finish to the campaign would give him more bargaining power when he goes in to see manager Phil Henson about a new contract at the end of the season.

"We've got a squad of 22 and 17 of the players' contracts are up, including the `gaffer' whose contract is also up,'' Goater explained.

"He's the type to let the season finish before he talks about new contracts.'' Things have been looking up for Goater since his recent break back home for the friendly against the United States `B' team. "I got a whiff of Bermuda air and things have turned around for me,'' he admitted.

"It's good to be holding down a regular spot. We've been using the three formation up front and it's been working for us.'' Goater plays in the front line with Varadi and Ian Helliwell who is the target man.

"He's a big centre forward so we play off him on either side. It works perfect.'' Rotherham play their final match on May 7 and Goater is hoping to see former Whitney school-mates Dean Minors and Clay Smith play in the Northumberland County Cricket League before he returns home on May 19. He estimates they are about two hours drive further north than he is.