Ryan Giggs wants to create his own 'Class of 92' with Wales
Ryan Giggs wants to create his own Class of 92 with Wales by blooding the country's youngsters as early as possible should their talent demand.
The new Wales manager cited how he gave debuts to Tom Lawrence and James Wilson when in caretaker charge of Manchester United, and his role in promoting Marcus Rashford when assistant to Louis Van Gaal.
Wales have a good crop of emerging players in Ethan Ampadu, Ben Woodburn and others, and Giggs wants to harness their potential ahead of qualifying campaigns for the 2020 European Championships and 2022 World Cup.
Ryan Giggs wants to create his own 'Class of 92' by blooding Wales' young players
Giggs has called up uncapped Connor Roberts and Christopher Mepham for the China Cup tournament.
'It has never been a problem for me giving young players a chance,' Giggs said. 'Even in my four games in charge of United I gave Tom Lawrence and James Wilson their debuts.
'I am not afraid to do that. I see it in training and then I want to see if I can do it on the pitch.
'I have seen Marcus Rashford develop and given him a chance. Marcus got in because someone got injured in the warm up [against Midtjylland]. I always say that when I got my chance it was Lee Sharpe who got injured.
'I couldn't see a way into the first team. Sharpey had won PFA young player of the year and he was playing for England. I was thinking, "He is in my position.." 'It was unlucky for Sharpey, lucky for me, but you take that chance.
Giggs gave debuts to James Wilson and others when caretaker manager at Manchester United
Giggs has called up Connor Roberts (left) and Christopher Mepham for the China Cup
Wales have a good crop of emerging players including Ethan Ampadu (L) and Ben Woodburn
'That is up to the young player - you give them a chance and they have to take it. The easy bit is getting in the team, the hard bit is staying in it.'
Giggs said including new talent in his squad would raise the standards of those established members, and has been told by assistant Osian Roberts there are promising players beneath the senior level.
'You can't take two or three touches because they are on you, they are aggressive, and you are looking over your shoulder,' Giggs said. 'He is after my position so you need to raise your game. That is what I want to emulate, that competitiveness in training.
'From the feedback I have got off Osian, that was the case when Woodburn, Ampadu, and David Brooks came into the last squad. That is good to hear and I want that going forward.'