Hughes hopes to extend stay

Wales manager Mark Hughes hopes to have his contract extension finalised over the Christmas period.

The former Manchester United striker has taken Wales to the top of group nine in the Euro 2004 qualifying round.

He is currently contracted until the end of 2004 but the Football Association of Wales are keen to secure his services for another two years.

Hughes said there were still some details to work out, but he was more than happy to extend his contract.

“There‘s no problem with the contract. I‘m more than pleased to accept it,” he told Sky Sports News.

Wales have beaten Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan to lead Group Nine and Hughes is hoping 2003 will be just as successful.

“If we can qualify then I think we‘ll go really well but the thing is to qualify in the first place,” he said.

“We just hope that we can have as good a year as we‘ve had this year.”