clash with Aston Villa.

The Bermudian striker suffered a groin injury in the 5-0 win over Everton last week in which he scored, and missed out on Tuesday night's abandoned Worthington Cup game against Ipswich.

The match, at Ipswich's Portman Road ground, was called off with the score at 1-1 after torrential rain made the playing surface dangerous.

Goater was to have a training session yesterday morning before boss Joe Royle decided on whether to include him in the squad for the trip to the West Midlands.

Fellow striker, Paul Dickov, who replaced Goater last weekend, is also doubtful for today's clash, but Royle has his fingers crossed for both players.

"Shaun will have to prove his fitness in a training session this morning after picking up the groin injury last week,'' Royle said yesterday. "Dicky has a slight injury to his calf, but I am hopeful that both players will be fit.'' Meanwhile, fellow Bermudian, Kyle Lightbourne has travelled with the Stoke City squad for the Second Division clash with Bristol Rovers. It is unclear whether he will figure in the match.