Shaun Goater proved why he is Britain's top goalscorer last night when he bagged his 29th goal of a terrific season in the 4-0 rout of Sheffield Wednesday.

And in a performance more befitting a scene from the film the ‘Full Monty' the 32-year-old Bermudian then proceeded to strip off in front of the Maine Road faithful - thankfully, though, it was only his shirt that he waved above his head in jubilation.

Goater, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, now stands just six goals away from 100 for the Blues since he signed from Bristol City in 1998.

With 12 First Division games left, including fixtures against struggling Barnsley, Portsmouth, Crewe and already doomed Stockport, the magic ton is well within his capabilities.

The Bermudian has an average of just over 1.7 goals a game - 94 from 163 appearances - and according to the records is currently 14th equal on City's all time greatest goalscorers list.

Goater sits alongside former Mancunian hero David White, who played between 1984 and 1993, and has Neil Young, a star between the years 1959 and 1972 who hit 107, in his sights.

Holding down the number one spot is Eric Brook who banged in 178 goals at an average of 2.8 a match between 1928 and 1940.

Goater scored with two minutes remaining during last night's match after a missing a host of chances earlier on.

Kevin Horlock got the show on the road after just nine minutes, hitting a dipping 30 yard shot past Kevin Pressman. Then 23 minutes later Goater's strike partner Darren Huckerby scored from another long range effort.

Goater should have got on the scoresheet five minutes before the break, but his weak effort, after a pinpoint pass by Eyal Berkovic, drifted by the post.

With 65 minutes gone, the Islander had another opportunity but headed straight at Pressman after Richard Edghill put the ball on a plate.

Berkovic did what it appeared Goater could not on 76 minutes, neatly placing his shot past the despairing Sheffield custodian.

That served to spur the big man on and Pressman was forced into a terrific diving save on 80 minutes to deny him. However, the ball rebounded off the ‘keeper and in the ensuing melee Huckerby was upended.

The felled player got up to take the spot kick, but the veteran goalie pulled off another fine stop to keep the score at 3-0.

With five minutes to go Goater had another chance but again it was squandered.

Huckerby won the ball from Pressman on the left of the area and squared to his fellow forward. All he needed to do was tap the ball home but his first touch deserted him and Marlon Broomes cleared the danger.

Unpredictable is a word synonymous with Goater and after spurning chances that looked easier to score he finally added to his tally with an angled strike from just inside the area with the clock running down.

“It was a good result,” said City manager Kevin Keegan afterwards. “There was a lot of endeavour, we have played better but I doubt if we have created as many chances.

“We found ourselves two goals up more through individual skill rather than anything we did collectively. But at the end of the day it was 4-0 at home without too many players hitting top form.”

The result means City stay second in the division, but have closed the gap on the leaders Wolves to five points. They have 68 points while Wanderers have 73, however, City have two games in hand. “We weren't great and will probably have to win at Wolves to win the championship,” Keegan added looking to the April 1 clash.

City take on Coventry, relegated from the Premiership with the Blues last season, on Sunday.