Post by Taxigirl on Oct 14, 2004 9:18:50 GMT
skysports.planetfootball.com
Gary Speed has called time on his international career with Wales following their defeat by Poland.
The curtain came down on Mark Hughes' tenure as coach on Wednesday and the Welsh have lost their inspirational captain on the same night, with the Bolton man saying the time is right for new blood to be brought in.
Speed came off the field with ten minutes remaining and was given a standing ovation, despite the side slipping to a disappointing home defeat.
With qualification looking almost impossible, Speed has opted to follow Hughes in leaving the international scene.
"I'm finished," Speed told Sky Sports. "That's me for Wales, playing wise.
"I think the time is right, with the group the way it is. It looks very difficult to qualify and I think it would be wrong for me to carry on.
"I think it is time to get somebody younger in and whoever the new manager is, has got a lot to work with."
A number of senior players hinted they may consider their international futures if qualification was beyond them, but Speed has urged them to carry on.
"I hope they stay and stick with it," he added. "I have won 85 caps and have had a great career with Wales and have enjoyed every minute of it."
Gary Speed has called time on his international career with Wales following their defeat by Poland.
The curtain came down on Mark Hughes' tenure as coach on Wednesday and the Welsh have lost their inspirational captain on the same night, with the Bolton man saying the time is right for new blood to be brought in.
Speed came off the field with ten minutes remaining and was given a standing ovation, despite the side slipping to a disappointing home defeat.
With qualification looking almost impossible, Speed has opted to follow Hughes in leaving the international scene.
"I'm finished," Speed told Sky Sports. "That's me for Wales, playing wise.
"I think the time is right, with the group the way it is. It looks very difficult to qualify and I think it would be wrong for me to carry on.
"I think it is time to get somebody younger in and whoever the new manager is, has got a lot to work with."
A number of senior players hinted they may consider their international futures if qualification was beyond them, but Speed has urged them to carry on.
"I hope they stay and stick with it," he added. "I have won 85 caps and have had a great career with Wales and have enjoyed every minute of it."