Welsh football's mission to find the next Ryan Giggs or Craig Bellamy has been boosted with a �1.3m grant to develop youth football and coaching.

The announcement of extra cash comes just weeks after Wales' famous victory over Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

The money, from the Welsh Assembly Government is aimed at areas recommended by the Football Forum, which was set up by Welsh Assembly Sports Minister Jenny Randerson last year.

I want young people in Wales to feel they are in the right place at the right time

Sports Minister Jenny Randerson

The forum's report has called for more coaches, bringing more girls into football and improving the scouting of talented players.

The money comes at a time when Welsh football is at one of its highest points since the 1958 World Cup campaign.

Mark Hughes' men currently top their qualifying group for the 2004 European Championship in Portugal and follow the 2-1 triumph over the Italians with a visit to Azerbaijan on November 20.

Announcing the extra funding at St Helen's Primary School in Swansea, Ms Randerson said: "This is about achieving three things: more players, better players and building a better future for Welsh Football.

"The goal-scorer's art is about being in the right place at the right time.

'Passion'

"I want young people in Wales with a passion for football to feel that they are in the right place at the right time - whether they are playing just for fun or in pursuit of a professional contract.

"I set up the Football Forum after meeting with organisations involved in football in Wales and the clear message was that a clear and strategic framework was required.

"The Forum report looks at how we can get more boys and especially girls playing football.

"It promises to improve the way we cater for the many, and pursue the vast potential of the disadvantaged, the excluded and the truly talented."

Craig Bellamy scores Wales' second goal in the victory over Italy

The money will also be targeted at increasing participation in football, improving the standards of coaches and increasing opportunities for socially excluded community groups.

Ms Randerson added: "Wales has nearly 30,000 registered boys and girls playing football and a considerable reserve of untapped potential.

"We need to support our talented young players to make sure we create more players like Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in the future."