Giggs has no England regrets

Clayton Blackmore doesn't believe former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs regrets not declaring for England.

If there’s a gap in his CV it’s on the international stage and even fellow Welshman Blackmore – Giggs’ minder along with Mark Hughes on Welsh trips – reckons if he had played for England his star would have shone even brighter.

“He’s proud of his Welsh background like I am, but if he’d played for England during the seven or eight years when he was at his absolute best he’d perhaps have been the greatest player on the world stage, because during those years he was unbelievable,” Blackmore told the People.

“Ryan was only a kid when he made his debut against Everton but when you are a special player it doesn’t matter how old you are. I remember Norman Whiteside was only 17 or so but even when it was physical he was up to the task.

“Ryan at that age was so fast and elusive no one could get hold of him. A Welsh rugby international once told me Jonathan Davies had a big nose but never had it broken because he was so elusive - just like Ryan. No one could lay a glove on him."

Blackmore: Giggs can play for another two years

Clayton Blackmore reckons Ryan Giggs could play for another two years.

Giggs signed a new deal last week.

“With all great players you sense something will happen when they are on the ball and Ryan is just like Maradona, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo in that respect," Blackmore told the People.

"That’s why I think he can go on for another two years at least. I know United have just given him another year but if I was the manager I’d be tying him down for another couple of seasons."