The 23-year-old Bermudian striker has accepted the club's much improved offer after considering it with his agent last Friday, the same day he scored in the team's 3-0 friendly win over Sheffield United.

"He (manager Phil Henson) has only offered a one year contract because his own contract expires at the end of the season,'' explained Goater yesterday.

"All of the players out of contract have been offered a one year contract. He has given me close to what I asked for and I'm quite happy.'' Goater scored Rotherham's second goal in their 3-0 win over Sheffield United, having played the whole game and showing no signs of the knee injury which hampered him last season. The club also drew 1-1 with Grimsby in a friendly match.

The Bermudian is anxiously awaiting the start of the new season on August 14 when Rotherham play Wrexham away from home. The departure of Tony Cunningham to Doncaster leaves Goater to form a strike partnership with the experienced Imre Varadi for the new season, though the club is looking for a big striker to replace Cunningham.

"I just want to get in a full season,'' explained Goater who remains determined to seek a move to a big club. "Last year there was the World Cup and then I got injured and was unable to get into the team regularly.

"Any international duty that comes up won't be as important as the World Cup.

This is a make or break season for me as far as getting away from the Second Division is concerned.'' There are plans again to show Goater's matches with Rotherham on local television and sponsors are being sought for the new season.

Meanwhile, World Cup teammates Kyle Lightbourne and David Bascome have just returned from a four match tour of Northern Ireland with Walsall who finished with three wins and a draw.

Lightbourne scored the only goal in a 1-0 win on Sunday while Bascome suffered a pulled muscle in his thigh in the second game and was unable to play in the team's last game. Lightbourne also played in the second match alongwith Bascome who was in midfield. Lightbourne's winner on Sunday came in the last couple of minutes of the match when he scored with a header.

Bascome will spend the week having therapy for the injury and hopes to recover quickly so as to impress the club management before the trial period ends on August 14.

"They play a good brand of soccer,'' Bascome said. "I'm really enjoying it.

When I went to Cambridge United (five years ago) I wasn't too impressed. The style of soccer here has really impressed me.'' Bascome, 24, is still on the books of United States indoor team Harrisburg Heat. He is due to return to them at the end of August, though he would like to pursue a career in England.

SHAWN GOATER -- Make or break season at Rotherham United.