Birmingham City as Manchester City bid to move to within a point of promotion to the Premiership.

Because of City's 2-2 draw away to Portsmouth on Monday, they won't be able to clinch promotion tonight in their final home match of the regular season.

But they can bring out the champagne tomorrow if they win tonight and third placed Ipswich fail to win at division champions Charlton tomorrow. Otherwise it will all come down to the final matches of the season next weekend.

Goater, who took a minor knock in the Portsmouth match, believes the power of the Maine Road fans will lift the Blues in their biggest game of the season in front of another sell-out crowd.

"I'm really looking forward to the game,'' said Goater on the City website.

He says there is no better feeling than being cheered on by the City fans.

"It is at home and the fans will be behind us. That will be vitally important and the fact that we can be a dangerous team at home. That wall of sound from the fans is tremendous and it gets us going. Sometimes if we are not up to standard or looking a bit lethargic, the fans kick in and they give us that extra boost and get us going.'' Goater needs two more goals to reach 30 for the season for the first time, although he will gladly settle for four points and his first crack at Premiership football next season.

City's final game is away to Blackburn Rovers next weekend while Ipswich, who presently trail City by two points, close out their regular season at home to Walsall who are facing the threat of relegation after just one season in the First Division.

"We know how important this game is and the gaffer won't really need to give us a motivational talk,'' Goater declared.

"It is great and every one of us is looking forward to it. It is a big occasion and each one of us will be concentrating on our jobs in the side. The rest will take care of itself.'' Main man at Maine Road See Page 20