Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given insists he has no regrets about leaving Newcastle United in 2009.

The Republic of Ireland international quit St James' Park for Manchester City before moving to Villa Park last summer.

Given made over 350 Premier League appearances for the Magpies and there was a time he thought he would be at the club for life.

The Villa shot-stopper finds himself below Newcastle in the table ahead of Sunday's meeting with his former employers, but he is happy with the Midlanders.

Given admits it will be a 'strange and emotional' experience going back to Newcastle, as it is his first trip back to St James' Park.

"I haven't played there since I left Newcastle - so it will be strange and emotional for me," explained Given.

"At one point I did think I'd be at Newcastle for life but then things change and you change yourself.

"Sometimes you can go a bit stale at one club but when I left it felt right.

"It gave me a new challenge and a new lease of life. You can get stuck in your ways.

"I enjoyed my 11-and-a-half years there but in the last few months I thought I needed to try something new.

"People might say to me, 'Oh but Newcastle are above you in the league, I bet you wish you were still there', but I am genuinely really happy at Villa.

"I do not regret leaving Newcastle at all - and I don't regret any of my time there either."