His club Manchester City are holding back the Bermudian striker until they are satisfied he is completely recovered from a knee injury and subsequent operation.

Goater hurt his knee in July while playing in a pre-season friendly in Northern Ireland, with the problem diagnosed as a slight tear of the cartilage.

Reports from Manchester suggest the man who scored 29 goals to help City to promotion from the First Division last season is now ready to step up his training.

But City manager Joe Royle said there would be no jumping the gun.

"We don't like rushing people after operations,'' said Royle. "Shaun is a model professional, but while he's desperate to play, there's no point rushing and making things worse.'' Since Goater's operation, City have signed two strikers of high pedigree, former World Player of the Year George Weah and Costa Rica international Paulo Wanchope, presenting Goater with a challenge to regain his first-team place.

City scored a huge upset last night when they defeated Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road. See Page 22.