There wasn't a dry eye in the place, as even Manchester City footballer Shaun Goater lost his composure when tributes poured in for him at Hamilton Princess yesterday during a Government-hosted luncheon in his honour.

That was brought on by fellow professional David Bascome's recollection of Goater during his childhood days.

Goater, the man so composed in front of goal, couldn't control his emotions as the tears flowed.

"Shaun's achievement gives me great pleasure to even be next to him right now,'' said Bascome who now plays professionally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

For several years Goater and Bascome have been holding soccer clinics during the summer. And to this day Goater still refers to the Bascome brothers -- David, Herbie and Andrew -- family. "When he first went to England and I was back in Bermuda, I think I kind of gave up a little bit.

"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, whether I was going to stay and work or follow my dreams.

"But he followed his and every time he came back he talked to me and told me to keep going.

"For my career and things I have achieved in my life, Shaun has a lot to do with it.'' With a lump in his throat and fighting back the tears, Goater replied, thanking several people, including the Bascomes, fellow player Kyle Lightbourne and his wife Rosemarie for being a source of support in England and his first coach at North Village, Harold (Doc) Dowling for showing him the way.

"It gives me great pleasure to be here with the people who got me started,'' said Goater, who was earlier greeted by Premier Jennifer Smith on the steps of City Hall.

"There were one or two people I forgot earlier, the Lightbourne family, who, while we have been in England we have been supportive of each other through the hard time.

"When I was going through a rough time I would call Kyle up and he would be great to me and I would feed off his mood and it would get me going again.

"Also, the BFA, I want to thank you -- and I know it was difficult for you -- for allowing me to stay in England and play in those final games.

"I really appreciate it because, without being arrogant, I don't think I would be here today. I really think the (City) team needed me in those games.'' Mark Trott, who helped arrange the trials for both Goater and Lightbourne which eventually led to professional contracts, presented Goater with a framed team photo of him in a Manchester United youth team in 1988.

"I never had any doubts he was going to make it,'' said Trott.

"You could see it in his eyes!'' See Sports, page 13 for another story Hail to the hero: Shaun Goater and his wife, Anita, are cheered as they pass through Hamilton on an open-topped car during a day to remember for the Manchester City soccer player. Goater helped his team make it to the English Premiership with his poaching skills in front of goal. Yesterday the Premier Jennifer Smith proclaimed "Leonardo Shaun Goater Day''