Ryan Giggs confirmed as new Wales manager

Ryan Giggs has insisted he will win round Wales fans sceptical at his appointment after being unveiled as the country’s new manager.

Sections of supporters have not warmed to the appointment of Giggs due to his frequent withdrawal from friendlies as a player.

Alan Shearer took a swipe on Match of the Day by saying: “I don’t think he played a friendly for around nine years, until 2000. So good luck trying to get the players together.”

But Giggs, who has sought the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson, said he would change opinions by “winning games”.

He added: “I won 64 caps for my country – 65 if you include the game v the Basques and I think I scored winner that day!

“I recognise the question. It is up to me to give it my all, make the country proud. Just like they were two years ago.

“It is probably the proudest moment of my life to lead my country. We haven’t been at a World Cup since 1958, I want to get there and I believe we can do it with this group of players.

“I want an exciting team. I want to get the fans off their seats. Hard working, aggressive in and out of possession, never giving up. A winning team.’

Giggs said he would be ‘stupid not to’ take guidance off Ferguson, his manager at Manchester United for 23 years.

He said his glittering playing career, including 13 Premier League titles, was a blessing and a curse when applying for club jobs since he left United in 2016.

“It opens doors, but so many times it’s been said that if you’ve had a good career as a player it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a good manager.

“I will do exactly what I did as a player, be professional, work hard, be organised. I want to create unity. It is a great group of players to work with.”