Savage criticised Toshack after being left out of Wales' squad

The midfielder is thought to regret his decision to quit and his critical comments after being left out of the squad for the Austria double-header.

"You'd have to think about the kind of things said (by Savage)," Toshack commented when pushed on the situation.

"There was respect lacking for certain people on board here (with Wales)."

The Wales boss did leave the door open for the other 30-somethings who have quit the international game.

"If any players who have retired change their mind we will take it into consideration whenever we pick a squad, although they will not get in automatically," said Toshack.

"It can be useful to have experienced players. Austria showed that in their two wins over us.

"In Vienna I had Paul Jones, John Hartson and Robert Page playing important roles on the bench."

He's playing in a league where his team expect to win every game and teams will defend in depth against them John Toshack on John Hartson Report: Austria 1-0 Wales

Toshack has seen Gary Speed, Mark Pembridge, Andy Johnson, Andy Melville, Nathan Blake, Mark Crossley and Savage leave the international fold since he took over from Mark Hughes last year.

The ex-Real Madrid manager is keen to ensure that 30-year-old Hartson does not join them, after the Celtic striker was dropped from the starting line-up for the game in Vienna.

"It's all about selecting the best players for the best system for each game," said Toshack, who favoured Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs up front in a 5-3-2 formation for the Austria rematch.

"John shouldn't be concerned. He could perhaps play in that system in the future.

"But he's playing in a league where his team expect to win every game and teams will defend in depth against them.

"He plays very close to the penalty area - which suits him and which he's got used to - but with us it's a bit different.

"I met with John a few months ago and explained that this situation could arise, especially in away games.

"The good thing is that when hard decisions have been made with this squad people haven't moaned or pulled out with niggles."

Coyne asks for forgiveness

Toshack also added a word of comfort for goalkeeper Danny Coyne, whose late blunder cost Wales a point in Austria, saying:

"The next time we play the line-up will be Coyne and 10 others."