Hartson saw all his mates leave the Wales scene before him

"Toshack must bite the bullet and call them, they're two of our top stars and should be playing for Wales," he said.

"It's ok to give the youngsters a chance but I don't think we have the quality in abundance to get anywhere.

"Things have been difficult for Toshack and I hope they get better, but I'm not sure they will. We've four or five good players, the rest make up the numbers."

Savage and Thatcher both left the Wales scene following high-profile rows with Toshack, although the former recently reiterated his desire to return.

The Blackburn midfielder claims he has tried to contact Toshack but that his "olive branch" has been refused, while the manager refuses to discuss the matter until Savage apologises.

Celtic striker Hartson, 30, retired from international football at the beginning of the month after 10 years, 51 caps and 14 goals.

I missed my mates, the trips were getting boring for me John Hartson

"Playing for Wales has meant everything to me, more than representing Arsenal and Celtic, more than winning cup finals and trophies," Hartson told BBC Sport Wales.

"But the last few games were hard for me, I know I didn't shine under Toshack.

"I can only be honest with myself and the public, my head wasn't right.

"I came through with Wales with guys like Mark Crossley, Mark Pembridge, Andy Melville, Gary Speed and Savage.

"They all decided to call it a day and maybe I should have gone at the same time.

"It's great that the younger elements are coming through, and some of the guys like Richard Duffy are top lads.

"But I missed my mates, the trips were getting boring for me, I was lonely and stuck in my room."

Mark Hughes got the best out of Wales John Hartson

Hartson was supportive of Toshack taking the Wales job in succession to Mark Hughes, and despite his retirement he has no argument with the coach.

"I got hold of John to tell him my decision before it came out in the media," said Hartson.

"He was totally understanding and said he would always be there if I needed to speak to him. He realises the respect I have for him."

But despite the good relations between Toshack and Hartson, the Celtic man has a sense of nostalgia for Hughes' era.

"Mark took over from Bobby Gould who was a disgrace to Welsh football, he picked up the pieces and revitalised us," said the striker.

"We didn't have the strength in depth then, either, but Mark got the best out of us and got us to within 45 minutes of Euro 2004.

"You only have to look at what Mark has achieved with Blackburn since to see his qualities."

The Back Page

*John Hartson was speaking to BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme, which has a regular slot on Saturdays, 0830-0900 BST