striker missing a host of chances in the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal.

The sending off of Australian star Danny Tiatto contributed greatly to City's demise at Highbury on Saturday, but Goater was guilty of three misses -- one from four yards out with the goal at his mercy.

The Bermudian international had been on the sidelines since before the start of the season, having suffered a knee injury as the start of the Premiership campaign approached.

He made his first top flight appearance in last Monday night's televised clash with Southampton -- coming on as a substitute with about 15 minutes remaining of the game which City won 2-0.

Saturday was his first full game and Royle -- through his belief in the frontman but also out of necessity -- is expected to keep Goater in the line-up for the Worthington Cup match with Aston Villa tomorrow night.

Paulo Wanchope remains doubtful for the tie, while fellow striker Paul Dickov was absent from training yesterday.

Royle says a decision on Scottish international Dickov will not be made until the day of the game, but he is hopeful he will be fit to partner Goater.

Of the Bermuda striker, Royle said: "Shaun lacks a bit of sharpness after being out for so long, but with the reserve game off tonight and Paulo still injured, we will need him on Wednesday night.'' Royle said he believed Saturday's match with Leicester City was a more likely return date for Wanchope. If that is the case, and the Costa Rican is 100 percent fit, it will presumably mean he will start with Dickov with Goater having to make do with a spot on the bench.

Addressing the weekend's thrashing, Royle said: "There is great character in this side and they have shown in the last two seasons how they can bounce back.

"I remember how we lost three in a row last season in unfortunate circumstances, but the side bounced back immediately.

"It is time to look forward now though I am still disappointed in the result.

There were good things at Highbury and for 40 minutes we were doing fine against one of the best sides in the world.

"Nicky (Weaver) made several outstanding saves, I thought Laurent Charvet made an outstanding deubt. Steve Howey did very well and Shaun is back and will be sharper and fitter, but now it is Villa.'' Goater will be hoping his goalscoring touch returns tomorrow night because in just two weeks comes the day he has probably dreamt about for many a year -- the derby match against his old team, Manchester United.