hard-earned point at their cross-city rivals Manchester United.

Goater had been expected to start up front for the Blues against the team with which he began his English football career.

However, the Bermudian had to wait until the last five minutes before he could enter the fray, coming on as an 85th minute replacement for fellow substitute Andrei Kanchelskis.

Boss Joe Royle opted to play Costa Rican Paulo Wanchope up front on his own with Scottish international Paul Dickov just behind him.

That formation left no place for the club's joint leading scorer with 10 goals, and Goater was unable to make an impression in the limited time he did have on the field.

City went a goal down when Teddy Sheringham notched a 70th minute penalty for the league champions, but a close range effort from defender Steve Howey rescued a point for seemingly relegation-bound City a minute before Goater's introduction.

But the talking point of a typical blood and thunder Manchester derby was the sending off of United captain Roy Keane.

The Irishman connected with a vicious challenge on City's Alf Inge Haaland as the game drew to a close and was shown a red card by referee David Elleray.

City remain second bottom of the Premiership, ahead of Bradford, but they stand only a slim chance of avoiding the drop back to Division One after just a season in the top flight.