PAUL Dickov might be the scorer of arguably the most important goal in Manchester City's history.

But even that won't guarantee the Scotland international a warm reception when he faces his former club in the colours of Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

Five years ago, Dickov was hailed as hero in the blue half of Manchester after saving the club from the brink of oblivion.

City had fallen on hard times following back-to-back relegations at the end of the 1990s and they suddenly found themselves operating at their lowest ever level.

But then a chance of salvation presented itself in the form of the Second Division play-offs final and hordes of expectant City fans made the pilgrimage to Wembley, hoping to witness the resurgence of a fallen giant.

What followed must surely rank as one of the most dramatic matches ever played in the shadow of the twin towers.

Gillingham, City's opponents that day, thought they were heading for the First Division after goals from Carl Asaba and Rob Taylor put them into a seemingly unassailable 2-0 lead with just four minutes of normal time remaining.

At that point, all looked lost for Joe Royle's side and dejected City fans began heading for the exits in a sea of broken dreams.

Even when Kevin Horlock scored in the 89th minute, it was seen as little more than a consolation.

But then deep into injury time the impossible happened and Dickov conjured a quite incredible equaliser, sparking wild celebrations.

It was little surprise that City went on to triumph after that, eventually securing promotion via the aid of a penalty shoot-out.

The true hero of the day, though, was Dickov and his late, late equaliser cemented his place in City folklore.

"That was probably the most important goal I've scored in my career," said Dickov.

"As a striker, I think every goal is important to you, but after being 2-0 down, and with it being at Wembley and the whole occasion and what it meant to everyone at the time, I think it has to be right up there.

"If City hadn't won that game then they might have struggled to get back to where they are now."

Amazingly, despite that strike, Dickov is still expecting a mixed reception at the City of Manchester Stadium tomorrow.

When he visited last season, ironically almost a year ago to the day, Dickov scored from the penalty spot in a 3-0 victory for Leicester City.

But certain City fans took exception to his knee sliding goal celebration that day, mistakenly thinking he was mocking the celebration that marked his Wembley equaliser.

As a result, he left the field to a chorus of boos.

"That was something made out of nothing," explained Dickov, who scored 35 league goals in 158 appearances for City.

"After I scored the Wembley goal, I went and slid on my knees to the fans and I also did that the last time I scored (at the City of Manchester Stadium).

"Some City fans seemed to think that was a dig at them but it wasn't. My little boy asks me before every game I play to do roly-polys and somersaults, which I can't do half of the time.

"On that occasion he just asked me if I'd slide on my knees or do something for him and that was the story behind it.

"So I don't know how the fans will react tomorrow. In the two times I've been there, I've been cheered on and booed off so I must have done something right for that to happen.

"I had a great relationship with the fans when I was there but I know they are passionate about their football and they don't like to see their team getting beat."

The vast majority of City fans still hold Dickov in great esteem and they were quick to rally around him earlier this year in his greatest hour of need, when he was caught up in the scandal surrounding Leicester's now infamous trip to La Manga.

"Last season when I had my well documented troubles, I got an unbelieveable amount of letters from City fans," said Dickov.

"As much as we knew we were innocent and hadn't done anything wrong, when you get support like that it's quite humbling."

Given the depth of feeling he has for his former club, it's no surprise to hear that Dickov is saddened to see them battling in the wrong half of the Premier League table.

But any sentiment will be put on hold for 90 minutes tomorrow as the 32-year-old does his utmost to spark a Rovers revival.

His goal against Norwich last weekend was perhaps not as important as that Wembley equaliser in the context of his career. In the context of Blackburn's season, however, it could well turn out to be priceless come May.

"That was very important. We would have been devastated if we'd have lost to them because even with 10 men, we felt we were the better side in the second half," said the Scot.

"To be honest, though, we were a bit disappointed with a point in the end because we felt as though we could have gone there and won.

"Even at this early stage, it's vital you win against the teams around you because if you can put two or three wins together then it can push you up the table.

"We need to start doing that sooner rather than later."