against Canada.

The Manchester City striker admitted yesterday he wasn't too keen about interrupting his season in England for the match, knowing that his absence could affect the build up to this weekend's vital home match against Fulham.

In the end a still sore ankle, which made Goater doubtful up until the day before Sunday's FA Cup fourth round match with Leeds United, ruled him out of the trip back home yesterday.

"The physio wanted to give it as much treatment as possible and put it right and make sure I'm right for the following game,'' said Goater yesterday.

"Going back to play in a friendly game, they aren't too happy about that. He (manager Joe Royle) wasn't too happy with hearing about the game, he thought it was at the wrong time.'' Goater's -- and the club's -- main ambition is promotion to the Premiership so he has to weigh things very carefully when it comes to coming back for international matches. At 29 (30 next month) Goater feels he is at a critical stage in his career, with his contract expiring in another two years.

"I'm in a situation now where, although I still have another two years to go, I'm trying to impress the boss and perhaps get another contract within the next year,'' said the City top scorer, who netted his 15th goal of the season on Sunday against Leeds. It was his third goal against a Premiership side this season in a cup game, though television replays suggested he was in an offside position. Still, Goater is taking it in his stride as he sets his sights on another 20-goal season.

"I want to be able to go in and say `this is what I've done in the last two seasons' rather than upsetting him by going home and playing in friendlies,'' said the striker.

"When there are vital games and vital points at stake it helps to be involved, because when we do get results and I'm involved by scoring goals then I can go in to him in better shape, by saying I played my part in the big games.'' Goater is hoping to follow Clyde Best's path into the top division in England, having paid his dues by spending several seasons in the lower divisions.

Missing the Canada game is one of the sacrifices he is prepared to make.

"We're getting older and the time on our current contracts are running out and we're both trying to obtain another contract, which would most likely be our last one,'' said Goater, speaking also on behalf of fellow striker Kyle Lightbourne of Stoke City. "In terms of our futures this is as important as it ever gets.''