sidelines as his team, Manchester City, embarked on its Premiership campaign.

The Bermudian international has been out of action for eight weeks after injuring his knee on City's pre-season tour of Ireland.

He returned to action on Thursday night for the reserves, playing a full 90 minutes in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds.

The striker said: "It's good to get back and I'm pleased to get through 90 minutes. It is the first competitive game I have had and it is a better test than training.

"From our side it was disappointing and I did not get too many opportunities.

It takes one or two games to get your sharpness back and I am looking forward to playing some more.'' Goater said watching his team-mates from the stands had been beginning to get him down.

"This has been the longest I have ever been out of the game at one time and while I thought I would be a good watcher that has not been the case,'' he said.

"I hate not being involved. The frustration was at its worst when I couldn't even train but that has gradually been eased away, especially when I got my boots back on.'' Goater has not set himself a date to return to first team action and even when he is fully fit a place in the starting line-up is by no means guaranteed. The striker faces a fight to regain his spot up front with new signings, Paulo Wanchope and George Weah forming a decent partnership.

"You can do as much as you like in training but it is only in games when you really find out how fit you are,'' he said. "The main thing is that I can now look forward to coming into training every day and working with the boys instead of watching them from the sidelines.

"I want to be in contention as quickly as I possibly can without risking a setback.'' Goater said watching the likes of former World Footballer of the Year Weah was having a positive effect on his game.

"I have been pretty fortunate with injuries through my career so I cannot complain.

"There have already been one or two little things which I have picked up from George Weah but to be honest I have to concentrate on getting myself fit and ready. My business is scoring goals and helping the team win -- and the sooner I can do that the better.'' Shaun Goater: fit again.