Shaun Goater will get some much needed help up front after Manchester City swooped for Darren Huckerby from Leeds yesterday.

The 24-year-old striker, who has found playing time hard to come by at Leeds, is eager to kick-start his career at Maine Road and relishes the chance to play with a big striker like Goater.

"I enjoy playing up front with a big man, like Paulo Wanchope or Shaun Goater, but that is my personal preference. If the boss wants me to play wide, then I will. I have confidence in my own ability,'' said Huckerby.

Huckerby was brought over for 3 million ($4.47 million) and could figure in Royle's plans for City's crucial clash with Charlton today.

"He will start on the bench tomorrow as he has yet to train with us. I am hoping we score seven against Charlton and he will struggle to get into the team for the trip to Coventry,'' claimed Royle.

City have found goals hard to come by in recent matches as was seen in the goalless draw against Derby and could use the addition fire power as they look to stay above the relegation zone.

"We needed that extra striker since George Weah left and at the age at 24 there's a lot in front of him,'' Royle told a news conference.

Huckerby is no stranger to relegation battles as he was apart of a Coventry side that was all too familiar with the relegation zone and if necessary, he is prepared to face a similar struggle with City.

"I believe there is time for City to pull clear of the relegation zone, though it could be a scrap,'' said the striker.

"There are 15 other teams who could go down and my immediate ambition is to keep City in the Premiership. I am only 24, but I have the experience of helping to keep Coventry up,'' Huckerby said.

Royle has also confirmed he had made an enquiry for West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas but nothing has materialised as of yet.