Flynn makes Wales bid Robson in Wales frame Who will succeed Hughes?

Saunders wants the FAW to examine the credentials of the leading Welsh candidates before looking elsewhere.

The Newcastle coach might himself be on the FAW's shortlist, but has so far remained quiet on that issue.

"I think Wales will be a little bit disappointed (that Hughes has gone to Blackburn), but as for the Wales job, I would prefer a Welshman," he said.

Of the Welsh candidates, John Toshack - briefly - has led the national side before and seems the outstanding candidate.

Of the new generation of Welsh coaches, Fulham boss Chris Coleman has the edge in experience over Ian Rush and Saunders.

Coleman, like Saunders, has remained tight-lipped when asked about the Wales job.

Then there is former Wrexham and Swansea boss Brian Flynn, who has already announced he is eager to manage Wales.

Non-Welsh candidates mentioned include former Wales boss Bobby Gould, ex-Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, former Arsenal and Spurs boss George Graham and Sir Bobby Robson, whose sacking by Newcastle began this managerial merry-go-round.

I think that the Blackburn players will take to Mark Hughes Dean Saunders

Graeme Souness left the Blackburn job to take over at St James' Park, taking Saunders with him as his assistant and leaving the Ewood Park seat vacant for Hughes.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Saunders - who won 75 caps for Wales between 1986 and 2001 - praised Hughes' contribution.

"I think Mark had the respect of all the players when he took over," Saunders said.

"It was a good appointment, appointing him manager in the first place. Nearly all the players played in the same team as him.

"He leads by example and I think that the Blackburn players - he knows a lot of them - will take to him, I think he'll do really well."

That view was echoed by Coleman: "I have no doubt he will be a success in club management. It was a matter of time before a good club came in for him.

"You just look at his track record with Wales, he has transformed the Welsh team over the last five years.

"He has done a great job there and put some great foundations in."

With World Cup qualifiers against Poland and England coming up next month, Hughes will remain in charge of Wales for that double-header, before passing on responsibility.

"Hopefully he stays on for the England game," Saunders added.

"After playing with him all that time, I know he'll be looking forward to the England game. I think he'll be delighted if he can stay in charge."