Shay Given was delighted to kickoff his Manchester City career with victory over Middlesbrough.

The goalkeeper told City's website: "Well I didn't score the goal, but I am delighted to have started with a victory and a clean sheet. It's a very positive start so all in all I am pretty happy.

"There's no right or wrong way to make a save, all you have got to do is keep the ball out of the net, that's my job. I was a bit nervous, I was making a debut for the first time in nearly 12 years with new fans and team mates to impress. A clean sheet is a good way to get going, and three points as well is a real bonus.

"Making my debut felt a bit strange after so long at Newcastle, but I have played in big games before and been around the block a few times so to speak. That would always stand me in good stead so I am pleased that it went so well."

Given lined up behind a central defensive pairing of Vincent Kompany and Nedum Onuoha that he has 10 years in age on, and his experience comes out when he talks about how important it is for the defensive unit to communicate.

"We're quite young at the back, so we need an experienced voice to help out. Sometimes a voice can be as important as a tackle or a block, you have to organise and demand things of the people in front of you."