GIGGS MAKES HIS WALES DEBUT

Last updated : 21 May 2006 By Editor

The Indie:

Toshack has praised the contribution of both Bellamy and his captain, Ryan Giggs, to the trip to northern Spain. "Their efforts in training have been excellent while the contribution of the younger players has also been great. We have seen three left-sided players - Lewin Nyatanga, Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley, who are 17, 16 and 19 - working with such confidence. They have moved the ball around in training exceptionally well and give me great confidence for a unit down the left which we could have for years to come."

Giggs himself:

"It's fair to say I'm here for the long haul, I want my country to succeed.

"You are always going to get people supporting you or against you, but I have tried to keep away from all that. People have asked me questions about things, but all I have done is avoid them.

"There have been changes, sure, but I have been around a long time and seen it all really. Nothing surprises me and you just have to handle it.

"I have enjoyed being captain, but it is something I have done from a very young age really. It is not as new to me as people think.

"I was captain of Salford Schools, then Manchester United's youth team and I have captained the senior side many times.

"When I did first get into the side at Old Trafford there have been some pretty special captains to work under."