Ryan Giggs confirms interest in vacant Wales managerial helm

Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has declared his interest in taking over as manager of the Wales national team, a position that is currently vacant after Chris Coleman stepped down midway through November.

Giggs, 44, made 64 appearances for Wales between 1991 and 2007 in his international playing career, scoring 12 goals. Having spent two years as an assistant to then-United manager Louis van Gaal, Giggs figures he has the experience to do well in the role, too.

"Of course I'm interested," Giggs told Sky Sports of the vacant Wales job, as quoted by BBC Sport. "I've not spoken to anyone at the moment but I'd definitely be interested.

"I've played for Wales and I've said that I want to go back into coaching. Obviously that is one of the top jobs. I played for United; I played for Wales."

Giggs managed United on an interim basis in 2014, taking the helm for four matches before Van Gaal's appointment. He has since been linked with roles at Leicester City and Everton, and BBC Sport reports he interviewed for the vacant Swansea City job last season.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is looking to appoint a new manager by January 24, in time for the draw for UEFA's new competition, the Nations League. BBC Sport reports Giggs faces competition in ex-international teammates John Hartson and Craig Bellamy, as well as Coleman's assistant Osian Roberts.

Wales failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finishing third in Group D of UEFA's qualification campaign, with a 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland in the last match-day in October extinguishing the dream of its first return to the quadrennial competition since 1958.