Shaun Goater has been ruled out of Manchester City's clash with Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

The Blues face Graeme Souness' Premiership side in the Worthington Cup but Goater still has not recovered from a groin strain and so his place is likely to go to young striker Leon Mike.

"I think Wednesday will be too soon for Shaun," said City boss Kevin Keegan. "He should certainly be fit for next Saturday and the trip to Grimsby as long as he doesn't suffer a setback."

The Division One clash with the Mariners at the weekend should give Goater, if fit, a chance to get back on the goal trail.

Grimsby have suffered an alarming slump in form since they topped the table at the beginning of September.

After a long run of defeats they are now in the bottom three and face Arsenal tonight in their own Worthington Cup clash.

City beat them 4-0 at Maine Road earlier in the season with Goater scoring in the opening minutes.