Giggs rules himself out of running for Wales job

Ryan Giggs has ruled himself out of the running to be the next manager of Wales.

With John Toshack set to step down today, Wales players, fans and officials have been hoping one of the country's most legendary players would step into the breach.

But Giggs has told friends within the current national team set-up that he is happy at the moment extending his playing career at Old Trafford, and wants to play on with Manchester United.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for Giggs to continue to offer experienced guidance to his fresh batch of young stars at the club, and sees the veteran playing on for another couple of seasons.

Ferguson would not countenance Giggs performing both roles, and for the moment any plans the winger has to go into management will have to be postponed.

The 36 year old is passionate about his country and dreams one day of becoming boss, but reluctantly he has been forced to admit the chance to succeed Toshack has arrived too soon.

Giggs believes that he will manage his country one day, but as his friend and one time mentor Eric Harrison, the former United youth team coach, explained yesterday, he would be forced to quit his club, which is something the player is not yet ready to do.

Toshack is expected to announce his departure today, and Harrison, who worked with former boss Mark Hughes as part of the Wales team set-up, explained: "Ryan couldn't play for United and be the Wales manager.

"He couldn't be playing for Manchester United at the weekend and be wondering and worrying about how the Welsh players are doing.

"He is a Welshman and very, very passionate about his country, believe me. But he is also playing as well as he always has for United, so it is a real dilemma.

"I know he still wants to play for a couple of seasons and win more trophies. He is still hungry enough, fit enough and good enough. To give that up would be incredibly hard for him."

Toshack's departure will be confirmed today, but it is still unclear whether he will stay on as manager for the next two matches.

Wales could appoint a caretaker to see the country through European Championship qualifiers, which would then allow Giggs to play on at Old Trafford and accept the job after he has retired.

Officials from the FA of Wales are still hoping Giggs will be able to combine both roles, but Ferguson believes that would not be possible.