Shay Given: Mark Hughes is a "quality manager"

Shay Given has described Mark Hughes as a "quality manager" after agreeing to join Stoke City over Middlesbrough.

The Republic of Ireland international had been on the verge of signing for the Championship side, who he previously had a loan spell with, but penned a two-year deal with the Potters instead.

The goalkeeper, who previously played under Hughes at Manchester City, told Sky Sports News: "He's a quality manager and I think he's shown to people in the last couple of years how good a manager he is as well. Had he been given a bit more time at Man City he could have done more stuff there as well, but I think he demands respect off everyone.

"He wants to play good football and I think the results in the last couple of years at Stoke City has been fantastic, he's done an amazing job.

"Obviously Middlesbrough is a great club as well but I just felt the chance to stay in the Premier League was too big to turn down, and hopefully I'll get that chance."

Given joins the club on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa at the end of the 2014-15 season.