Speed hails players' attitudes

12 May 2011 09:30

Wales manager Gary Speed is convinced his squad have the right attitude to succeed and now just have to start fulfilling their potential.

He has had only two matches in charge of the national team - both of which ended in defeat - but the former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder has been impressed with what he has seen from the players.

Even those who are injured have been in contact to tell him how desperate they are to play, and Speed said: "These lads are all mad keen and on the phone telling me they are going to be fine. Their attitudes are fantastic."

He added: "We have given the players a goal, a mission to what they can achieve, and these games fit into that mission.

"They are vital for our development to be in a place to compete when it really matters and that is September when the next (Euro 2012) qualifiers start."

Injured midfielder Joe Ledley has been named in the 28-man squad for the Carling Nations Cup matches against Scotland and Northern Ireland on May 25 and 27 even though he has been ruled out of the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury.

Speed has not yet ruled out the 24-year-old making an appearance but is happy to have him along for the experience.

"Joe will probably be struggling," admitted the Wales boss.

"Even if he was fit he wouldn't have played for four or five weeks and so he couldn't go straight into a game.

"I spoke to Joe and he is desperate to come with the squad and we will be monitoring him."

Source: PA