Given completed a move from Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee on Sunday and is expected to make his debut against Middlesbrough at Eastlands on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland star has spent the last 11 years at St James' Park, so there was bound to be a bit of apprehension as he stepped into the unknown.

"I was so excited last night that I couldn't sleep," he told the club's official website.

"It will be like being a kid at a new school at training. I want to meet the lads, get to know my new surrounds and get down to work.

"I feel the best years are still ahead of me. I work hard in training to keep improving. That will never change."

Given underwent a medical earlier on Sunday while his former side took on Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.

The 32-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with City after making more than 450 appearances for Newcastle since joining them in 1997.

Given is the fourth City signing in the transfer window, joining Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong at Eastlands.

highly regarded

Manager Mark Hughes told the club's official website: "I have said for a long time that we need the experience of a keeper like Shay.

"I am delighted that we have been able to acquire such an accomplished keeper, and one so highly regarded by everyone in the Premier League.

"We are getting a very good keeper and the experience he has will help the two outstanding young keepers that we have here in Joe [Hart] and Kasper [Schmeichel].

"I have had a good talk with him about where we expect to be in the future. From a football point of view, and a club point of view, it's an easy thing to sell because we know we are going in the right direction. Players want to be part of that."

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