Hartson would turn to Giggs, Davies and Savage

10 September 2010 10:00

John Hartson would urge Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies and Robbie Savage to come out of international retirement if he was to become the next Wales manager.

The former West Ham and Celtic striker has reiterated his desire to replace John Toshack, who stood down on Thursday, and dismissed concerns over his lack of coaching experience.

"They (Wales) gave Mark Hughes his first job and look how well Mark Hughes has done since," Hartson told BBC Radio 4. "I've done my (coaching) badges in recent years. I have worked under great managers, I've picked up a lot during my career and I just feel that it's a job I would love to do."

He continued: "I feel I excelled for Wales in terms of playing and it's a job that would really appeal to me.

"I know the system that I would like to play and I'd open the door for Savage, Giggs, Davies...because the Wales team would be a stronger side with them in it.

"There would be no egos, we'd all be pulling in the same direction and obviously thinking about the side."

Savage retired from international football in 2005 after a row with Toshack, Giggs last played for his country in 2007 and Davies called time on his Wales career last month.

Hartson won 51 caps for Wales and scored 14 goals during a 10-year international career.

Current Wales Under-21 boss Brian Flynn and the former Wales defender Chris Coleman, who is out of work after spells managing Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry, have both been linked with the job. But Stoke manager Tony Pulis and Millwall boss Kenny Jackett have ruled themselves out of contention.

Toshack stood down after Wales opened their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Montenegro. They play Bulgaria and Switzerland next month before facing England in March.

Source: PA