Ipswich Town on Monday because of injury.

Goater missed training yesterday as he underwent treatment for a groin injury he picked up in last Saturday's 1-0 win against West Ham at Maine Road.

City manager Joe Royle said the Bermudian striker would have a late fitness test and no decision would be taken on him until tomorrow or Sunday.

Goater is City's top scorer this season with 11 goals -- six of them in the last nine games -- and his absence would be a major blow to City.

Monday's match could hardly be more important for City, as defeat at Portman Road would seal their relegation from the English Premier League.

And with Ipswich needing the points to challenge for a top-three place and a lucrative berth in next season's UEFA Champions League, the stakes are high for both sides.

Goater's match-winning goal against the Hammers gave City a lifeline, but they are still four points adrift of the safety zone with two matches remaining.

Their final fixture is at home to Chelsea.

Better news for City is that injuries to Goater's fellow forwards Paulo Wanchope and Paul Dickov have cleared up and both will be available for Monday.

Goater praised Dickov this week after he partnered the Scotsman in attack from the start for only the fifth time this season last Saturday.

Both hold a special place in the history of the club. City boss Joe Royle believes Dickov's never to be forgotten Second Division play-off goal at Wembley and Goater's goal tally last season were hugely instrumental in helping City return to the Premier League.

It was the Scot who, after providing the cross in the closing minutes of the game against West Brom last season at Maine Road, coined the phrase: "Feed the Goat and he will score.'' On Saturday it was Dickov who was involved in the move which led to Goater's strike against the Hammers.

Dickov fought his way back from injury and suspension to take his place in the derby game against Manchester United at Old Trafford recently. His inclusion just had to be, said Goater.

"I said to Dicky before the game against United, and before we knew the team, that he had to start. The one reason is that he will lead the team in terms of his tenacity and give the side the sort of performance which we need. He gets at the opposition and doesn't allow them to play,'' he said.

"I look at what he gives us and try and add those attributes to my game. In many ways Dicky lifts the other players. You see him run right, left and centre and it makes you think you have to do your bit as well.'' Both players received resounding ovations from the fans when they were substituted within minutes of each other on Saturday. And, admitted Goater, the intensity of the support during the game got to him.

"I am usually very in tune with the game, very seldom do I get side-tracked by the fans singing, but there was a period during the West Ham game when they really caught my attention with the amount of singing. I had to switch back into the game,'' he said.

"We know the fans appreciate how Dicky and I work together, they demand 100 percent. Give a performance of pride and we know they will back us, if we don't do that then there is something wrong.

"Now we have to give performances like Dicky turns in, to give every ounce of energy in the game so we have no regrets at the final whistle.'' Paul Dickov: Earned high praise from his Manchester City team-mate Shaun Goater.