Shawn Goater's hamstring injury has flared up again, making him a doubtful starter in tomorrow's First Division clash with Port Vale.

Goater played in City's two home wins in the last week when they beat Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich, but now both he and strike partner Paul Dickov are doubtful because of injuries.

Dickov limped off just after an hour against Ipswich on Wednesday night with knee ligament problems while Goater has a recurrence of the hamstring strain which recently sidelined him.

Goater did manage to get through the entire match against Ipswich, which City won to move three points clear at the top of the standings. Midfielder Kevin Horlock sealed the points with his fifth goal of the season in the 58th minute.

"It is a serious injury to Paul,'' conceded manager Joe Royle. "Rob Bailey, the physio, tells me it is a grade one. I think he will be extremely doubtful for the weekend. So too will Shawn who is limping with a hamstring.'' City are managing something in the First Division that they couldn't do in the Second Division last season -- setting the pace in the early stage of the season.

A crowd of 32,000 saw them beat Ipswich and now the pressure will be on them to beat Port Vale for the second time in the league this month.

"Injuries apart, isn't it marvellous for Manchester City to win when they don't play well?'' said Royle.

"We played much better at Norwich and didn't win and we should have won at Tranmere. We won against Ipswich when we didn't deserve to.'' Royle is tipping 20-year-old City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver to be knocking on the England national team door in the next couple of years.

Royle made the prediction after Weaver had the best game of his young career against Ipswich this week when he made a string of outstanding saves.

"He is a smashing 'keeper and I think with the next 12 to 18 months he has got to be pressing for the national side,'' said his manager.