Robbie Savage says new Wales boss John Toshack helped him through his fraught transfer from Birmingham to Blackburn. The midfielder also revealed he would love to captain his country - despite previously criticising the appointment of Toshack as Mark Hughes' successor.
Savage explained how Toshack's words of support helped him during the time he was a virtual outcast at St Andrews.
"He (Toshack) told me the best thing I could do was to keep my head up, and it meant a lot to me," Savage said.
"It was one of the nicest phone calls I received at the time... he took the time to get in touch when I was feeling low."
Savage was heavily criticised by Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David Gold before and after the �3million transfer to Ewood Park under Hughes.
 |  Who knows, I might even be named captain |
But there has been a remarkable clearing of the air between Savage and Toshack prior to the naming of the Wales squad for next month's friendly with Hungary.
Toshack travelled to talk to Savage before Birmingham's match with West Brom recently and it appears relations have been smoothed over.
Now Savage even sees the possibility of one day captaining his country: "I'm delighted to have been named in the squad, I just hope I can do enough to win a place in the starting line-up.
"There's a number of new players selected and the squad has a youthful look.
"I'd like to do my bit as one of the more experienced lads to help them bridge the gap between club and international football.
"Who knows, I might even be named captain. I understand it is not a major priority for the manager - who will make a decision before the game - but I hope my name is in the frame."
MMIX
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