Fowler to blossom after goal - Keegan

The 28-year-old has struggled for fitness in recent years and an on-going hip injury looked to have signalled that the former Liverpool striker's best days were behind him.

City fans have seen laboured performances from the England hit-man in his first four appearances for the club but Keegan says now he has his first goal in a Citizens shirt, plenty more will come as he steps up his fitness levels.

Keegan said: "With a good pre-season behind him and a bit more integration, I'm confident Robbie and Nicolas Anelka will take us where we want to go.

"It was a terrific finish because it was not even a half-chance.  I sensed he was getting a bit anxious waiting for his first goal, and I'm sure it'll do wonders for his confidence.

"What he showed out there is what we've always known: that he's a superb finisher with wonderful vision.

"If he's presented with chances, he will score goals. That's the bottom line."