Shaun Goater could be set for his first start of the season tomorrow when Manchester City take on Blackburn Rovers at Maine Road, writes Matt Westcott.

Fellow City striker Darren Huckerby missed training yesterday and that could open the door for Goater to partner Nicolas Anelka.

“I think there will be changes,” said Blues boss Kevin Keegan yesterday, adding: “We have one or two niggling injuries so we will wait and see how they come through as well.”

Goater was a second-half substitute in the midweek loss at Arsenal and a number of people have suggested he makes a better partner for the Frenchman.

“I think we could improve on what we create for Nicolas Anelka,” Keegan said. “And that is why the odd change on Sunday could do us good, so we will look at doing that.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Lightbourne's wonder goal in Macclesfield's League Cup upset win over Barnsley in midweek may not be enough to get him a regular starting berth.

The striker netted with an audacious lob in the Silkmen's 4-1 win over their more lofty rivals. With fellow frontman Lee Glover having left for Mansfield it appeared Lightbourne might get a chance to stake his claim, but manager Dave Moss appears to have other ideas.

Moss has Matthew Tipton and Neil Robinson in his ranks and recently drafted in ex-Evertonian David Eaton (21) on a short-term contract. But he is still thought to be searching for another experienced goal-getter.

Lightbourne was transfer-listed last season and that situation has not changed.

Rumours have been circulating that Moss might seek to terminate the Bermudian's contract in the same way he did with Glover, but the manager scotched talk of that yesterday.

Asked if there was any truth Lightbourne was about to be released Moss said: “Not at the moment.”