BARGAIN GIVEN IS TOP BUY FOR CITY

MARK HUGHES reckons cut-priced keeper Shay Given could turn into one of his best Manchester City buys.

Boss Hughes preyed on a cash-strapped Newcastle to snatch the Irish No 1for a reduced £8million fee in January.

And while his low profile arrival did not spark the headlines surrounding the capture of Robinho or Emmanuel Adebayor, Hughes feels smug about pulling off what he considers a real coup.

He said: "Shay is top drawer. He understands how to marshal his back four and is vocal. He has a strong and reassuring presence."

Birthday boy Hughes, 46 today, added: "The situation at Newcastle allowed us to make an offer we felt was a good one. If Shay continues in the same vein he will be one of the better buys I have made.''

Hughes knows a thing or two about top keepers, having played with Peter Schmeichel for Manchester United and Neville Southall for Wales.

And he added: "I have been in teams when you have an outstanding keeper. There is that assurance of knowing defensively you are in good shape and even if they get past a defence they still have to get past a Given, Schmeichel or Southall.

"Shay is up there with the best."

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