Shaun Goater says he was "surprised" to be given the nod for Manchester City's game against Leeds on Saturday.

The player notched his sixth goal of the season against Terry Venables' men after being left out of the starting line-up since the festive period.

"I have never been more surprised, pleasantly surprised, to be picked for a game," he said."You have to hand it to the manager - it was a brilliant piece of psychology. His backing gave me confidence and to score the goal was fantastic."

City boss Kevin Keegan declared Goater "a big match player" after the game.

In a glowing tribute to the player, he explained his decision to leave him out recently and then throw him into the mix at the weekend.

"I left him out because sometimes you have to do things to the opposition that catches them out," the boss said.

"Shaun had done very well and I told him when I left him out that he would get another chance. He did and he took it.

"That is Shaun Goater and that is why that when you put him out there the one thing he is going to give you is 110 percent every time. He is going to try and do everything when he is out there to the best of his ability."

Keegan said if Goater got half a chance he would more than likely take it and he had proven that on Saturday.

"He is a big match player and that is why there is a Shaun Goater day in Bermuda every year," he said, not quite getting his facts right.

What the fans

are saying . . .

Manchester City's fans have been adding their comments to the debate over who, if anyone, will be leaving Manchester City should the club finally sign Robbie Fowler.

"City fans would not want the Great Man to be sold or let go.The Goat bleeds sky blue like all of us . . . Can't imagine that Fowler's arrival would be as popular if it meant losing the person who has been the heart of soul of this great club for the past few lean years. Yes, we need to push on to the next stage in the club's development, but please not at the expense of losing Shaun Goater." - Toronto Blue.

"Huckerby can't match Shaun's goal rate and will raise more money in my honest opinion . . . Shaun is a cult hero. Hope City don't disrespect him." - Uwe Rizla.

"Kevin Keegan's decisions are difficult. Personally, I would prefer Goat to stay, but then again if he goes now then he does so at an all-time high following his derby double and achieving his 100 goals for us. Come what may, he will be a City legend and always welcomed with open arms . . . Bermuda's greatest ever export?" - Shampers.

"I'd prefer Goat to stay and Huckerby to go." - Webwizard.