Shaun Goater is set to be rewarded for his contribution to Manchester City’s promotion push by being named club captain today.

Goater, returning to the side after recovering from a groin injury, will don the armband against Grimsby Town in the absence of Stuart Pearce.

The Bermudian striker, who has notched 20 goals so far this season, has been missing since the 2-1 reverse at Portsmouth a fortnight ago.

After sitting out last week’s victory over Rotherham and the midweek Worthington Cup defeat to Premiership Blackburn Rovers, Goater will be itching to get back on the goal trail.

So long as he does not suffer a setback in the lead-up to the game, boss Kevin Keegan will name him as the City skipper for the first time in his reign as manager.

Though Goater has the honour, Keegan says he will be looking to all the senior players to take responsibility in the game.

“I am looking for 11 captains at Grimsby and I certainly think we have plenty of those type of players at this club,” he said.

City beat Grimsby 4-0 earlier this season with Goater scoring in the opening minutes.