Gary Speed is planning an audacious attempt to lure Ryan Giggs out of international retirement.
New Wales boss could also offer second chance to Savage
Gary Speed is planning an audacious attempt to lure Ryan Giggs out of international retirement.
Having been unveiled as Wales' new coach on Tuesday, the former international midfielder has wasted no time in getting to work.
His priority is to bring about a reversal in fortune for the national side, with results of late having disappointed and forced the departure of former boss John Toshack.
Plenty of time and effort has been put in to nurturing the stars of tomorrow over recent years, with Wales able to boast a considerable pool of promising talent.
Speed, though, acknowledges that it is important to complement the youngsters with some older heads.
With that in mind, he is hoping to speak with Manchester United's veteran winger Giggs and has left the door open for Derby midfielder Robbie Savage, who was frozen out under Toshack.
"I am sure I will be ringing around," said Speed.
"There are a couple who have already rung me to be honest. Sav rang me.
"I'm not sure about Ryan yet, but who wouldn't want him in a team? I'm sure others will be in touch."
Respect
Savage has wasted no time in making himself available again, but the 36-year-old admits he does not expect to waltz straight back into the fold under his former international colleague.
"I'm available to play for Wales again and if Gary Speed thinks it's the right thing for me to come back then I will do," he said in the
Daily Mirror.
"I think I'm playing well enough to be part of Wales again. But I know Gary and he won't pick people for the sake of giving his old mates a last hurrah.
"If he says, 'Sav, it's over' then I'll respect that and I'll still be a big advocate of him.
"The advantage I've got with Gary is that he's seen me play for the past two years. Gary is a man who commands respect, for what he's done on the pitch and for his massive football knowledge."
