Soccer: Welsh players support Hughes

Wales shattered stars are right behind boss Mark Hughes despite their World Cup hopes coming to an end.

And with three years left on his contract taking him to after the next European Championships the 38-year-old defiantly claim that Wales have a good future.

That is despite winning only two games in 12 under his control and failing to win in five attempts at the Millennium Stadium, a run extended by Poland’s victory, which put Group Five qualification out of Wales’ sight.

The fact that Hughes has been linked with the Southampton job has clouded the issue somewhat but he said: "My situation hasn’t changed. I’m contracted to Wales and have had no contact with any clubs.

"We now have a lot of young players coming through and I still maintain that the future is bright. There is still work to do but we are a far more competitive side now.

"Maybe in Kiev against Ukraine on Wednesday we will be able to see what a few other people can do.

"Losing like we did wasn’t a nice feeling, but we have quality youngsters and can play at a decent level now.

"It is up to me and the staff to put our arms around them and get them back up for the next one.

"I still maintain that we have made good progress and I aim to make sure we continue to improve."

Wales skipper Gary Speed supported his manager, who, when he took over two years ago, talked about blooding youngsters in this World Cup campaign with a view to making a determined effort in the following European Championship qualifiers. The FA of Wales also backed Hughes.

Speed said: "We are still developing as a team, and it is the best Wales side I have played in for many years.

"We have improved 100% from where we were a few years ago and we have a terrific manager in Mark Hughes. If these things are still in place in a few years we will have a tremendous side in Wales."

Ryan Giggs said: "Mark has done a brilliant job. He has enormous respect from everyone in the game and he has transformed the side, got us organised and brought confidence and belief back to the team. He has done a fantastic job for Wales even if results don’t necessarily show that."

The FAW have had no approach from Southampton, who have David Moyes, Harry Redknapp and Alex McLeish on their list of contenders for the vacant manager’s job.

The fact that Hughes is now back living in his family home in Cheshire - he did not move his family around the country when at Chelsea or Southampton suggests he is happy for one last crack at the Premiership with Blackburn before retiring next summer to concentrate full-time on Wales.