Wales boss John Toshack and Robbie Savage have had a long-running feud

Robbie Savage has admitted that Wales boss John Toshack was right to put his faith in a new generation of players.

The Derby midfielder, now on loan with Brighton, has had a long-running public feud with Toshack who he blamed for ending his Wales international career.

But after watching Wales' recent World Cup qualifying matches, Savage says he is impressed with how they are playing.

"I can understand why (Toshack) he's done it, you can see what he's done," Savage told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's put the young players in - maybe the young players would have come through anyway - but he's given them a chance earlier than anybody could have expected."

There's all these young boys running their hearts out for their country and I'm sitting at home willing them to lose Robbie Savage

Savage, who won 39 caps, announced his international retirement in March 2005, saying he had been "humiliated" after being left out of Wales squad by Toshack.

Toshack said Savage was left out because the Wales manager wanted to look at other players, which included many of the youngsters now earning rave reviews.

The pair have been at logger-heads ever since until this week, when Savage had the courage to admit publically that Toshack's way was the right way.

Wales were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their World Cup qualifier in Monchengladbach on Wednesday night but emerged with credit.

Toshack's side beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in Cardiff on Saturday and had caused Russia problems before succumbing to a 2-1 loss in Moscow last month.

Those games, allied to the Wales Under-21s almost qualifying for the European Championships - losing a two-legged play-off 5-4 on aggregate against England - have seen Savage reassess his stance.

"The performance in Russia really changed my mind," Savage added.

"I'm thinking there's all these young boys running their hearts out for their country and I'm sitting at home willing them to lose really because of their manager.

"I had to take a look at myself and I thought 'no, no, I've got to change my tune here'.

"Defensively Wales were very good and they frustrated the Germans in the first half on Wednesday.

"It took a great goal to win the game, a great strike and I don't think it was deserved, I think a draw would have been a fair result.

"All credit to the Welsh boys for sticking to the task and it was a good defensive performance.

"The Under-21s were magnificent the other night and you can see why (Toshack) he's got hope for the future."

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Savage?

Savage also revealed that a serious illness to friend and former team-mate Geoff Horsfield has put his own concerns in perspective.

"One of my big mates - Geoff Horsfield - has just heard the news he has testicular cancer," Savage said.

"I'm just thinking I'm sitting there being bitter, holding a grievance against John because he finished my international career at a relatively young age.

"I was the captain of a Premiership team at the time, my outburst was because I'm passionate and I love playing for my country.

"When someone takes it away from you, you do feel very hurt and I was."