Swansea City midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has spoken of his infamous bust-up with Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Shelvey was involved in a furious row with Fergie after being sent off during an ill-tempered clash between United and Liverpool in 2012.

He accepts he was wrong to confront Ferguson - but says the Scot was impressed with his passion.

“I was a bit immature then and a bit silly," said Shelvey to the Manchester Evening News. “I pulled him aside afterwards and apologised to him and he was spot on with me.

“He said, 'no I like it. It shows you've got a bit of b***s about you.'"

Shelvey continued: “I got a few high fives around town for the next few months, but it was silly from me on the professional stage. You don't do something like that.

“I was young and I was starting for Liverpool against Manchester United, games don't come much bigger.

“I was immature, the occasion got the better of me. It was part of growing up and you learn from those sort of things."