during yesterday's World Cup match against Antigua, Manchester City were singing the Bermudian's praises after his 28th goal of the season put them on the brink of promotion to the Premiership with a 2-0 win over Tranmere on Saturday.

Goater marked his 100th appearance for City with a fine goal in the 10th minute when he beat the hesitant teenager Tranmere goalkeeper to a through ball from Kevin Horlock, took the ball to the goalline and steered it into net from an acute angle.

The second goal was scored by Jeff Whitley in the 72nd minute as City opened a four-point gap in second place following losses by Ipswich to Queens Park Rangers and Barnsley at the hands of Wolves.

City have three games remaining, one of them today away to Portsmouth. If they win today and Friday's home match against Birmingham, they will clinch the second automatic promotion spot behind Charlton who were promoted on Saturday.