Ryan Giggs keen to give Wales youngsters plenty of game time

March 20, 2018
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from Sky Sports
New Wales manager Ryan Giggs says he will take every opportunity to give young players a chance.
 
Giggs was an assistant manager at Manchester United when England international Marcus Rashford was given his debut at the age of 18.
 
Speaking ahead of his first matches in charge of Wales at the China Cup this week, Giggs said promising youngsters can expect to receive opportunities.
 
"It has never been a problem for me, giving young players a chance," said Giggs.
 
"Even in my four games at United [when he was interim manager in 2014], I gave Tom Lawrence and James Wilson their debuts. I am not afraid to do that.
 
"Marcus was obviously someone I had seen develop and he got his chance with an injury in the warm-up.
 
Chris Mepham is in the Wales squad for the first time
 
"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', but it is up to young players to take their chance."
 
Wales will play hosts China on Thursday before taking on the Czech Republic or Uruguay in a third-place game or final the following Monday.
 
Giggs will be without Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu and Sheffield United striker David Brooks, who both made their debuts against France in November, but Swansea defender Connor Roberts, Brentford midfielder Chris Mepham and
Preston striker Billy Bodin are in the squad for the first time.
 
Ryan Giggs says he has never been afraid to give young players an opportunity
 
"Young players can give you inspiration," the Wales manager added.
 
"All of a sudden you go from getting a little bit of time on the ball, to having to up your game.
 
"You can't take two or three touches because they are on you, they are aggressive, and you are looking over your shoulder. You're suddenly thinking 'he is after my position', so you need to raise your game.
 
"That is what I want to emulate, that competitiveness in training we had at Manchester United.
 
"From the feedback I have got off Osian (Roberts, coach), that is the case when Brooks, (Ben) Woodburn and Ampadu came into the last squad. That is good to hear and I want to hear that going forward."
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