Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor believes his opposite number at Manchester City, Shay Given, is amongst the world's finest custodians after his weekend heroics at St Andrews.

In a match in which the home side dominated for long spells, Alex McLeish's men were thwarted by an absolutely sensational performance by Given between the sticks for the Citizens.

The Republic of Ireland international, who arrived at Eastlands in an £8million deal from Newcastle last January, pulled off a string of 'worldie' saves and most notably palmed away James McFadden’s penalty early in the second-half.

The 33-year-old's performances for City this season have won him many admirers as well as rave reviews from a host of pundits, while Northern Ireland veteran Taylor is convinced Given is amongst the world’s finest.

"Shay was always top quality at Newcastle but since he has gone to Manchester City, he has almost gone to another level," he was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"He is not just one of the best in the Premier League but in the world. Keepers are judged on mistakes and reliability and he rarely makes them, but he also comes up with a world-class save when needed as well.

"Shay has worked hard to get to the level he is at now - and good luck to him," Taylor concluded.