Anelka: Four goals this season (ShaunBotterill/GettyImages)

The Frenchman grabbed his fourth goal of the season in City's comeback to earn a draw at home to Blackburn, with substitute Shaun Goater also on target.

And Keegan - who has six strikers at Maine Road - is threatening to go into the transfer market when the window re-opens in January - saying he believes he needs another man in attack to get the best out of Anelka.

City's record signing started the campaign up front on his own, was then joined by Darren Huckerby for the next four matches before youngster Chris Shuker was given his chance yesterday.

`If we can't find someone within the club we may well go outside when the transfer window opens,' said Keegan.

`I have one or two combinations still to try. Shaun is one of those, as is Jon Macken and Paulo Wanchope. I will get that chance and it is important to get it right because Nicolas is such a wonderful player.

`His work rate was outstanding. Even when things were not going his way he never gave up.'

Keegan did not hold back in criticising Australian midfielder Danny Tiatto, who was red-carded for a two-footed lunge at David Thompson.

Keegan admitted the challenge was `disgusting' and fully merited the punishment meted out by referee Mike Dean.

The City boss was also concerned with other weekend indiscretions.

Tiatto will be fined two weeks' wages for his tackle, while Irish defender Richard Dunne's future will be decided after he was suspended for a `serious breach of misconduct', believed to be drink-related.

Neither Keegan, nor chief operating officer Chris Bird would reveal the precise nature of Dunne's indiscretions but the player - who has previously been fined for failing to turn up for training - will discover what price he must pay after a midweek board meeting.