BATTERED AND BRUISED

Last updated : 18 November 2003 By editor

Giggs is seething after a horror tackle nearly ruled him out of Wales' Euro 2004 playoff second-leg against Russia.

Ryan fumed:

"I was as annoyed as I've ever been on a football pitch. It was one of the worst tackles I have ever received. I am bruised, yes, but I'll be fit for Wednesday."

West Brom midfielder Andy Johnson has accused Russia of setting out to harm Giggs, as well as continually verbally abusing the Welsh during the goalless draw in Moscow.

Johnson said:

"I think they were intent on targeting certain players, particularly Ryan. But he has had that all through his career. He is an exceptional player on the world stage and everybody knows him and his talent, especially going forward.”

"The job he did for us on Saturday was superb defensively as well as going forward. But he has been targeted since he was 17, when he first came on to the scene, because players are scared of him and want to stop him any way they can - not always legally."

“He had to take a very naughty tackle, it could have broken his leg. But he is clever and he saw it coming, so he rolled it a bit otherwise he would have a broken leg now.”