on the bench for Manchester City in their clash with Bradford.

Goater, who has been out since before the English soccer season started with a knee injury, played a full 90 minutes of reserve action against Blackburn on Thursday night.

The Bermudian international didn't get on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw but his performance in the game prompted boss Joe Royle to pencil him in as a substitute for today. Indeed Goater's top-flight debut might come even quicker if fellow striker Paulo Wanchope's weakened knee does not stand up to the rigours.

Wanchope returned from international action with Costa Rica nursing a slight injury and didn't train on Thursday.

Although he is expected to make the starting line-up it could be that he doesn't last the full extent of the game against the struggling Bantams.