Stephen Ireland is pleased with Manchester City's capture of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given.

The midfielder told City's website: "I always rated Shay, I like him as a kid and I thought he should have been in teams that were challenging for trophies because he is such a great keeper. For him to have not won anything is a shock, it is similar to Jaaskelainen at Bolton, because he is another very good keeper. I was excited to hear that we were linked with Shay, because he is such a good player.

"Joe (Hart) and Kasper (Schmeichel) have done really well, but I think having Shay here with all his experience will bring them both on."