Giggs last played for Wales against the Czech Republic in 2007
So, what price Ryan Giggs pulling on a Wales shirt again?
Since the initial prodding of the door by arguably Wales' best player, the odds appear to have lengthened.
Giggs has told the BBC he has no immediate plans' to return other than in ''an emergency.''
He also made it clear he would speak to his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Wales manager John Toshack before donning the international boots again.
Well, Ferguson's immediate reaction was quite telling: ''You must be joking,'' reckoning Giggs must have been caught at a weak moment.
For Ferguson there are probably no plusses in a Giggs return. One of the reasons for the player's longevity and continued excellent form has been the absence of international commitments since his retirement in 2007.
Giggs is still valuable to the Old Trafford chief, with even Scotland captain Darren Ferguson - at the Wales encounter in autumn 2009 - saying he was a "role model" to all at United.
Nevertheless Giggs is no fool and surely would not have thrown this into the pot unless some part of him had contemplated returning to the international fold.
Which brings us to the other key player in this whole scenario - Toshack.
He is aware of Giggs' comments but his attitude to retired players has been constant during his reign up to now - and let's face it - he has had plenty of practice.
As far as Tosh is concerned, players retire and once they've done so, there's no return. He takes flak for this stance fairly regularly, but it's his view and shows a loyalty to the current squad which I know many of them value.
Indeed as recently as just before the last friendly, against Sweden, he ruled out ringing Giggs to tempt him back in the wake of the injury to Aaron Ramsey.
You could say the anticipated absence of Ramsey for the start of the European qualifiers in autumn 2011 would qualify as an ''emergency.''
But then, it is difficult to remember when Wales did not have an emergency as far as injured players were concerned.
Whatever Giggs had in mind, he is in an enviable position.
I never questioned Giggs' loyalty to the cause, but some did criticise him for retiring when he did. Now they can throw no verbal volleys his way, given his apparent willingness to help his country in time of need.
Toshack has the comparative luxury of knowing Giggs has made himself available if he really feels the need to break with his managerial tradition and call on a retiree.
But may be the smart money should go on Giggs' next Welsh role being on the sidelines.
Toshack should take the bull by the horns and say: ''Ryan your country needs you!''
Not as a player, but as part of the coaching staff - ready to take over the reins when Toshack goes.
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