Despite a late start to a season which eventually saw City relegated, the Bermudian striker has banged in 12 goals for the club and once again is the leading goalscorer at Maine Road.

His last goal came in the 2-1 defeat at Ipswich that sealed City's fate and he has a chance to add to that tally today when his side play their final top flight game of the season against Chelsea.

In a year of turmoil on the City frontline, which saw the likes of George Weah come and go, Paulo Wanchope have a public fall-out with boss Joe Royle and Darren Huckerby fail to fulfil his potential, Goater, once fit, has been the one constant.

That fact has not been lost on Royle.

"If Shaun had any remaining critics after what he has done for this club then his efforts should have shut them up,'' said the boss in the Manchester Evening News .

"Seven goals in his last nine Premiership outings is a tremendous record.

Ever since he came to City, Shaun has shown a willingness to learn and dedication to the cause second to none and he deserves every accolade he gets.'' Royle went on: "Some of his goals have not been pretty but that does not matter, he has the knack of putting the ball in the back of the net and long may it continue. I wonder where we might have been if he had been fully fit this season?'' Goater suffered a back injury after scoring the goal against Ipswich, and had feared he may miss the final match of the season.

However, Royle said he along with other players that had been doubtful were available for selection.

"Shaun, Paulo Wanchope and Paul Dickov are all fine,'' said the boss, who added he hoped City would give the fans something to remember as they make their final Premiership curtain call.

"We hope to go out with a bang,'' he said. "It is black and white why we have been relegated and it's our home form and defensive record which have cost us.''