Shaun Goater may get his first taste of Premiership action this season when Manchester City entertain Newcastle United today.

The match has been given an early kick-off (7.15 a.m. Bermuda time) and Goater is likely to be given a substitute's role against manager Kevin Keegan's former club.

The Bermudian is on the comeback trail following the broken toe that he suffered in pre-season. He was a surprise substitute for last Saturday's 3-0 mauling at the hands of Leeds United at Elland Road, but the player admitted there was never really any chance of him coming on.

The 32-year-old did, however, get 90 minutes under his belt in midweek when he turned out for City reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup tie against near neighbours Oldham.

Despite putting out a strong side that contained a number of first-teamers City went down 3-0.

But though disappointed with the result, Goater was happy that he completed a match without any problems.

Nicolas Anelka is a definite starter up front for City and the question is whether Keegan plays him on his own, as he did against Leeds, or pairs him with Darren Huckerby, who played the final quarter of that match.

“I have said before I have the ability to change the system for every game and I may change it again for Saturday,” said Keegan. “But I wouldn't be afraid to go back to that same team. I would take my chance with it against any side.”

Goater's fellow Bermudian, Kyle Lightbourne, is likely to find himself on the bench as well today despite some good performances in recent weeks for Macclesfield Town.

The Third Division side take on Wrexham at Moss Rose, but with Matthew Tipton returning after recovering from an ankle injury, Lightbourne will find himself out for the starting 11.