Mark Hughes has declared that Shay Given is the best keeper in the Premier League ahead of Man City’s clash against Birmingham.

Hughes said that Given was right up there with some legends of the game, and was adamant that the Irishman was as good as advertised.

"I played in front of Peter Schmeichel and Neville Southall during my career as a player and I can't emphasise enough the huge level of comfort you get from having them there," Hughes told the Mirror.

"Now, having worked with Shay Given over the past 10 months, I would put him right up there alongside the very best 'keepers I have seen.

"He's got the experience of hundreds of games in the Premier League, he knows how to marshal his defence, and his presence behind the back four is immense.

"That's the kind of goalkeeper I wanted for this club - and Shay hasn't disappointed on any level.

"He has to be up there as the best 'keeper in the League - if not the best. That's because he's got everything. Some 'keepers are good shot-stoppers or good with crosses. Some 'keepers can use their feet better than others."

Given's move to the City of Manchester Stadium ended the reign of previous Number One, Joe Hart, who has been loaned out to Birmingham.

However, Hughes insists that Hart is in his long-term plans and the loan move was to ensure that the youngster would have a chance to play first-team football.

He said: "Joe Hart is still our player, of course, and we still have a huge regard for his ability. But there have been too many examples when goalkeepers have shone at the start of their careers and then faded.

"They get damaged because they have been in the first team too long too early in their career and haven't been able to recover when things have gone wrong.

"We didn't want that to happen to Joe. We still have huge hopes that he will be a top goalkeeper for Manchester City in years to come.

"We were at the stage when we needed an experienced goalkeeper. That's why I signed Shay Given."

Hughes also refuted suggestions that the Sky Blues were inadequate in defence, a trait that has resulted in three consecutive draws in the league.

"Defensively we are doing OK," he insisted. "There's been suggestions that we are a little bit fallible at set-pieces, but you could direct that criticism at any team in the top six - just look at Chelsea at Villa."