SHAUN Goater is ready to play through the pain barrier as Manchester City return to the Premiership.

The 32-year-old striker is sidelined with a broken metatarsal - the injury made famous by Manchester United and England star David Beckham - and faces a dilemma over his return.

Having missed all the pre-season games so far, he is keen to get back as soon as possible but does not want to risk causing any further damage by rushing.

He believed originally he would be out for up to eight weeks but now hopes that time span could be lessened.

"I can't tell you how frustrating it is having missed pre-season the last time we were in the Premiership," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I am putting myself in the hands of the physio, Rob Harris, and he will advise me when I can safely return. Of course, I am willing to play through the pain barrier, but I don't want to aggravate the problem and make my stay out any longer.

"I want to get back as soon as possible. (Manager) Kevin Keegan and Stuart Pearce have both told me they had similar injuries and played through them. I hope I am back in two or three weeks.

"I will be able to keep a certain level of fitness but there is no substitute for running around and playing games. I watched the lads win at Bury last night and Nicolas Anelka scored two great goals. He looks razor sharp and I'd love to play alongside him."

Keegan believes Goater, who finished as the club's leading scorer at the end of the last three seasons, will be out for three or four more weeks.

"Shaun is experiencing a bit of pain when he jumps and lands and strikes through the ball," he said.