Shay Given is pleased to have Ireland teammate Richard Dunne in front of him at Manchester City.

The keeper, signed from Newcastle United on Sunday, has lined up with the Blues' skipper on many occasions for the Republic of Ireland and he is fulsome in his praise of his new City team mate.

"Dunnie is one of the best centre-halves I have ever played behind," Given told City's website, "and it will be a bit strange to play with him at club level having only done so for Ireland before. He's a fantastic player.

"He's dropped me the odd text over the last few days, and it was good to hook up with him. We go back over a few years with the Irish squad and we know each other well."

The relationship between keeper and central defender is a key one, as Given continues, "I'll need to get to know the rest of the lads here and work with them as well, but the centre half and goalkeeper is quite an important partnership. Richard and I have played together a lot for Ireland, and hopefully we'll improve on that as well."

The Irish connection does not stop there, of course, and Given has joined the chorus of voices praising Stephen Ireland.

He adds: "Stephen has been at the top of his game. He is a fantastic talent. What with Stephen, Richard and myself being here then (Republic boss) Mr Trappatoni may be coming to our stadium a bit more often!"