Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan says he has reluctantly agreed to let Bermudian striker Shaun Goater go at the end of the season.

Goater, who hasn't started for City since a January league clash against Newcastle United and had to absorb all the action from the stands during City's 3-0 win over Sunderland on Monday, still has one year left on his contract.

But Keegan says he won't stand in the player's way should he demand a transfer.

“Shaun and I had a conversation a couple of weeks ago. We all know Shaun loves it here. We all know what we think of him and he certainly knows what the supporters think of him. He is 33 and feels that he wants to play. That is his choice and that is the way it has to be,” Keegan explained.

The City boss admitted he would have preferred to see the Bermudian play out his full contract.

The former North Village player has started for City on 13 occasions in the Premiership this season, while a further 11 games have seen him come off the bench as substitute. But despite making only limited appearances, the “Goat” has managed to score some vital goals, none more significant than the two against City's arch-rivals Manchester United at Main Road in a memorable 3-1 league win last November.

He then came on as substitute to earn City a valuable away point at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw in February.

However, not even those outstanding performances could change Keegan's mind as the manager stuck to his “dream pairing” of Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler - despite the latter only scoring twice since his arrival at Maine Road earlier this year.

“I understand that he wants to play,” added Keegan. “So it is up to him and me to be sensible and see what comes up for him.”

“He will be a hard act to follow but we will have to move on,” added Keegan, who praised the player for the manner in which he arrived at his recent decision and the discussions that the two had on his impending departure.

“He wants to move on and so do we as a club. He gave his reasons and explained that he didn't want to do it a few weeks ago as he didn't want to upset the apple cart,” said Keegan. “Shaun never wants to upset anyone and he hasn't upset anyone in the way he has done this. He certainly hasn't upset me. He has done it a hundred percent right by me and the club.”