Few would argue that Shay Given has been Manchester City Football Club’s best signing in years.

The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and, of course, Robinho may have been marquee signings for the new rich kids of world football, but will any prove better than Given?

Given was a snip at around £8million from Newcastle United, and Mark Hughes is certainly aware of the importance of the Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper.

"It's impossible not to concede opportunities and chances to the opposition at Premier League level because this is the toughest league in world football," Hughes told City's website.

"One of the key reasons I wanted him was because he has the ability to organise, is calm with the guys in front and when he is not called upon for long periods until he's needed, then he is ready.

"That's a key quality. That's when he earns his keep and shows his value to the team. That can happen, so when it does you want your top players to perform, and that's what Shay has done."

Adebayor, with three goals in as many games, is hitting the headlines whilst the Blues rejoiced at taking Tevez from United, but has there been a better signing than Given?


Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!