Ryan Giggs appointed Wales manager as his past ‘bite back’ causing fan backlash

Incoming Wales Coach Ryan Giggs [Photo: Courtesy]

Incoming Wales boss Ryan Giggs is eyeing up former Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes as his number two.The Class of '92 pals enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Old Trafford, and even teamed up recently to take over non-league Salford City.

But with Giggs all set to be named Wales boss later this afternoon, another former Red Devil believes Scholes is in the frame to be his assistant.

Ex-Wales winger Thomas, who has good contacts at Old Trafford, said: "Ryan has to decide who he want to help him, but Paul Scholes has been mentioned.

"Current number two Osian Roberts has been a massive part of the Welsh success for the last 10 years and I would think he would be involved as well."

There has been some backlash from Welsh fans over the appointment, but Thomas told BBC Wales: "He deserves a chance at this. He's played 64 times for his country and at one of the biggest club's in the world.

"Chris Coleman didn't a magnificent job, but when Giggs starts winning games everything will be forgotten.

"He wants an opportunity to show what he can do. He's been with the best manager in the world. When he walks into the dressing he will get that respect.

Thomas also addressed Giggs' lack of commitment when it came to showing up for Wales friendlies - and says the players won't care.

"Yes there's a stigma that he didn't turn up for friendlies," he added. "But if I were a Wales player, that wouldn't bother me one little bit.

"He turned up for the most important games."

But there was another cheeky jibe from England striker Alan Shearer on that very subject.

When asked what he thought of Giggs being given the Wales job Shearer said with a cheeky smile: "It will be interesting how he gets the players to turn up.

"I don't think he played a friendly for around nine years, until 2000.

"So good luck trying to get the players together."

The FAW last week interviewed bookies favourite Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Chris Coleman's assistant Osian Roberts and Mark Bowen.

They have now called a press conference for Monday after chief executive Jonathan Ford spent the weekend trying to tie down Giggs.

The Manchester United legend is their preferred candidate ahead of Bellamy.

Wales have been searching for a new boss after Coleman's shock decision to quit for Sunderland despite being offered a new deal.

Wales need a new man to attempt to lead them to Euro 2020 after missing out on the World Cup.

Giggs,44, made 64 appearances for his country from 1991-2007, including 10 friendlies.

Roberts has support among the existing squad to continue coaching the squad in some capacity in another possible assistant role.

Giggs, 44, who has been out of work since leaving his role as Manchester United’s No2 in 2016, admitted last month that he was interested in replacing Coleman and described managing Wales as “one of the top jobs”.

Wales do not play again until March when they are due to participate in the China Cup in the Far East.

But a new manager is due to be appointed before the Uefa Nations League draw takes place in Switzerland on January 24.