Former Manchester City and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given admits turning down Manchester United early in his career.

Given confirmed to the Daily Express he rejected an offer from Sir Alex Ferguson before signing for Celtic as a teenager.

He recalled: "No, no, I didn't [have any regrets].

"I was only a kid at the time, I was only 16 and I could have gone to Man United or Celtic, of course.

"It was a decision my Dad and myself made because Peter Schmeichel was just coming into his prime at Manchester United and Packie Bonner was in his mid-30s I think and probably had a few years left.

"We just wanted to get in the first-team as quick as we could. I wasn't leaving home to be back-up or sat twiddling my thumbs. I wanted to play first-team football and that was the bigger picture.

"Two great clubs, of course, but I never have any regrets.

"Life's too short and I enjoyed being with all of the clubs I played for."