Sir Alex Ferguson may have rejected Shaun Goater as a United trainee, but the United followers certainly know who the striker is now.

"Maybe some United fans didn't know who I was before the first game but they all know now!" quipped derby day hero Goater as he reflected on his late equaliser for City which stunned the Manchester United fans on Sunday.

The Bermudian striker, who hit his hundredth goal for the Blues in the Maine Road derby earlier this season, was in ebullient mood as he reflected on his vital cameo role at Old Trafford.

And he believes that once again the fans played a crucial part in City's fightback to earn a point.

"They were magnificent for us," he said. "Each and every one of us knows exactly what the derby games mean to them and to be able to have played such a part in earning four points from United is fabulous.

"We knew we had to go for broke at the end and threw people forward. Fortunately, I was on the end of a great ball from Wrighty. I saw it coming all the way.

"I think the double substitution when myself and Ali (Bernabia) came on unsettled United. It was as if they hadn't noticed and I think no one had said `I'll pick him up'. Our fans went mad and I was thrilled for them.

"After five years of listening and learning you know exactly what taking four points out of six off United will mean to them.

"Scoring three in a season against United has to be right up there with the best memories I have on the field. To score an equaliser so late on at Old Trafford and at the end where our fans were is something really special."

The Bermudian, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday in just over a fortnight's time, knows how valuable it was to gain a point against a side which is on a such a good run.

"United might have had the odd excuse in the first game that this player or that player had been missing but on Sunday they had the best side they could muster apart from probably Fabien Barthez and we matched them all the way and probably finished the stronger side," added Goater.

"They were on a really good run so it shows you how far we have come and just where we might be going under Kevin Keegan. We are aiming for the top six and we feel it is achievable."

With the arrival of Robbie Fowler and the return to training of Paulo Wanchope and Jon Macken, Goater knows the size of the challenge that lies ahead of him to keep his place in the squad.

"I always fancied this game and was desperately disappointed not to have started but I am delighted to be part of things and I tried to show that in the build-up to the game by being as upbeat as possible.

"My chance came and I took it. I suppose you need a bit of luck but I feel that over the seasons at City I have made mine. If you work hard then you get your rewards."