Wales must wait for Giggs

[lsgworldl]

Manchester United have delayed Ryan Giggs' arrival with Wales for the 9 October World Cup game with England.
The Wales squad meet in Cardiff on Monday, but United have invoked Fifa's four-day rule meaning that Giggs will not join the party until Tuesday night.

Wales manager Mark Hughes is said to be furious with the news.

Manchester United told BBC Wales Sport say they cannot comment on the availability of England players because the squad is not named until Sunday.

But the FA of Ireland and the Irish FA both claim they expect their Manchester United players to be with them by Tuesday lunchtime.

Roy Keane, Liam Miller and John O'Shea are involved with the Republic's squad, while goalkeeper Roy Carroll is the only United player in the Northern Ireland party.

We're powerless to do anything

FAW spokesman Ceri Stennett
"Following the game against Middlesbrough on Sunday our players need to be rested," a spokesman for Manchester United told the Daily Mirror.

"So, in accordance with the regulations, Ryan Giggs will report [to Wales] four days before the [England] game."

It's always the big countries and big clubs who have the final say

From Richard Watkins
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The Football Association of Ireland says it expects their United contingent to arrive with the squad by midday on Tuesday, but a Man United spokesman has told BBC Wales Sport the four-day rule will also be invoked in relation to Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland players.

Roy Keane, Liam Miller and John O'Shea are involved with the Republic's sqaud while goalkeeper Roy Carroll is the only United member in the Northern Ireland panel.

"We're powerless to do anything," said FAW spokesman Ceri Stennett.

"United are well within their rights to invoke the four-day ruling, but I think it's fair to say we are all a bit surprised by this."

Mark Crossley and Mark Pembridge will report at the Wales training camp on Tuesday after playing for Fulham on Monday night.

Robbie Savage, who is banned for the England game but available to play against Poland on 13 October, will join the squad later in the week.

Cardiff pair Rhys Weston and Robert Page are doubtful with injury and will be examined by the Wales medical team on Monday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/3706304.stm