At the end of a week which has seen Shaun Goater linked with moves away from Maine Road and then the deal involving would-be successor Robbie Fowler collapse, it's back to business as usual for the Manchester City striker.

At least two English newspapers ran articles in the last seven days saying Goater was on his way. The stated in an 'exclusive' that he had opened talks with Premiership strugglers Bolton Wanderers - a claim swiftly denied by the player - and the national tabloid said he was being sought by Division One Preston.

At the end of the day it all came to nought with Leeds striker Fowler pulling out of a ?7-million transfer at the 11th hour on Thursday.

Fowler said he had got 'bad vibes' while undergoing a medical and had decided to stay with Terry Venables' Yorkshiremen.

That put paid to City manager Kevin Keegan's plans to field the former England striker against Newcastle United today.

But what is Keegan's loss should be Goater's gain with the 32-year-old expected to run out for his 400th league appearance alongside Nicolas Anelka at St. James' Park.

Goater, who has six goals to his credit this season, should be preferred up front to Darren Huckerby - another who might have been on borrowed time had the Fowler deal been finalised.

Goater scored in City's last Premiership match at the North East venue and another goal today could help the Blues climb up to the heady heights of sixth if they win and Everton and Southampton lose and Spurs fail to win.