And Antonio Pierce will also be making a first start for a new team today, suiting up for the Giants in their opening pre-season clash in Cleveland.

Pierce, who is at the opposite end of his career to Goater, will take his place as a guaranteed starting middle linebacker against the Browns, his first appearance since signing a $33m deal this spring after four years with the Redskins.

The Bermudian, who was back here twice this summer visiting friends and family, has been performing well at the Giant?s University of Albany training camp over the past two weeks, including picking off starting quarterback Eli Manning twice in practice sessions.

Pierce, who has also attracted plenty of column inches in New York newspapers and magazines as the pre-season intensifies, is likely to be involved in ?15-25? snaps in tonight?s televised match as coach Tom Coughlin swaps around his personnel.

?You go to win,? said Coughlin

?Whoever is on the field, the emphasis is on winning the game but it will not be at expense of evaluating personnel.?

The Giants, who finished 1-4 in pre-season last year, begin their regular season on September against the Arizona Cardinals at Giants Stadium.