The Manchester City striker, who missed much of the early part of the season through injury, has been enrolled on an innovative course aimed at boosting his fitness levels.

Goater is one of four City players taking part in the scheme at the club's Carrington training complex.

Olympic weightlifting coaches have visited the centre to assist with the programme and the players' diets are being closely monitored in what is called an "holistic'' approach to fitness.

"Extra training? I would call it much more than that,'' the 30-year-old quipped. "We are going through the whole spectrum looking at fitness and diet.

"I have just started the programme this week so I don't think you will see any benefit for a week or two.'' Goater said he was 100 per cent behind the idea, but stressed the proof of the pudding would be in the eating -- when he hit the pitch.

"It is something I don't necessarily like talking about as I would rather people see the difference in my play in the future,'' he said.

"But I am all for the programme because it improves me in terms of my fitness and if it helps me to play better and for the team to stay in the Premiership I am all for it.'' City coach Willie Donachie has described Goater has a model professional and it is no coincidence he has been singled out to take part in the programme.

"I was delighted by Willie's comments and it has given me another incentive to look at this fast track programme and say, `Yes bring it on I am ready to kick into this and get my fitness going','' he said.

"Footballers can't afford to have closed minds, the old-fashioned ways are long gone now and we must have open minds to different training methods.

"One of my biggest strengths is that I am willing to learn. I am willing to take different things on board and am open to anything which the club believes will benefit me and the team.'' Goater is set to start against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League tomorrow as boss Joe Royle looks to field an unchanged line-up from the one that drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough last week.

It is a game that City desperately need to win if they are to start to pull away from the relegation zone. However, Spurs come to Maine Road buoyed by a 4-2 FA Cup victory over Charlton.

Shaun Goater: weight training.