Bermuda Football Association that his services would not be required for the two Antigua World Cup qualifying matches -- the first of which is scheduled this Sunday in Antigua.

The Manchester City striker said he had requested written confirmation from the BFA regarding his release, but so far had only been able to go by what he had read on the Internet of stories which had appeared in the Bermuda papers.

The BFA recently stated they would not push to have Goater included in the second qualifying round tie after the player said he he wanted to concentrate on securing promotion from the First Division with City.

"I'm not going to be recalled so I can focus solely on the remainder of the season for the club, which is great news,'' said the Blues' leading goalscorer.

"This is the situation I was faced with. I know who pays my bills and that's what it boils down to. I have a great understanding with my gaffer but I've seen players fall out with him and take a long time to get back on good terms.

"We've built up such a good understanding, he knows what he'll get from me and vice-versa. I don't want to tamper with that relationship.'' Goater passed a late fitness test on the weekend when treatment to a thigh injury allowed him to play against Crewe on Saturday. City won the match 4-0 and now lead their two main promotion rivals, Barnsley and Ipswich, by three points with five matches remaining.

"I had a jab to clear the inflammation and that helped me get fit, so I was pleased I was able to play a part,'' said Goater.

The striker told The Royal Gazette last night that the injury was an old one, first suffered earlier in the season. "It isn't too bad, I'll just continue to train and get treatment inbetween,'' said Goater, who trained with the team yesterday.

Goater didn't add to his 27 goals on Saturday, but was pleased to see his strike partner, Paul Dickov, regain his form with two strikes.

"I said to Paul before the Bolton game that my aim was to try to set him up for a goal,'' said Goater. "I didn't do it that night but against Crewe I managed to do it. No one deserves the goals more than him. He keeps his head down and works hard whether or not he's scoring goals. Let's hope he can continue to do that.''