Speed Quits International Scene

Last updated : 13 October 2004 By Mark Heys
Welsh captain Gary Speed has retired from international football this evening following the Dragons 3-2 defeat by Poland in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Bolton Wanderers midfielder made the decision after the game in Cardiff which saw a flurry of late goals both for the home team and for their Polish opponents.

Speed has won 85 caps during his international career but says that the time is right for him to step aside to allow a new regime to impress whoever replaces Mark Hughes as the national coach.

"I'm finished, That's me for Wales, playing wise." he told Sky television

Wales have fallen behind in the qualifying stages following two successive defeats against England and Poland and the ex-Leeds, Everton and Newcastle man Speed says his timing is right.

"I think the time is right, with the group the way it is. It looks very difficult to qualify and I think it would be wrong for me to carry on.

"I think it is time to get somebody younger in and whoever the new manager is, has got a lot to work with."

The 34-year old was quick to wish the rest of the squad every success for the remainder of their World Cup campaign whilst also looking back fondly over his own international exploits which began back in 1990 against Croatia.

"I hope they stay and stick with it, I have won 85 caps and have had a great career with Wales and have enjoyed every minute of it."