BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Wales | Souness offers Saunders to Wales

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness believes Dean Saunders could be the man to solve Wales' coaching dilemma.

Wales boss Mark Hughes faces the prospect of losing the services of Birmingham City first-team coach Mark Bowen as the club insists he cannot do both jobs.

Bowen denies Bruce rift

Saunders, who won 75 caps for his country, is now a reserve team coach at Blackburn, and Souness has given him a glowing reference.

More importantly, perhaps, Souness has told Hughes he would not block any attempt to bring him into the Wales set-up.

Souness said: "If I were Mark Hughes I would be looking at Dean because he has a lot to offer.

"I wouldn't object to that type of approach because it would help his education and wouldn't clash with anything at Blackburn."

Hughes also currently has Eric Harrison and Arsenal reserve coach Eddie Niedzwiecki as his senior backroom men.

Harrison missed the last two matches after being advised not to travel abroad on medical grounds.

But the former Manchester United youth boss Harrison is also determined to carry on as Hughes' assistant manager.

"I still want to be involved, there are plenty of meetings and coaching that I can do," said Harrison.

Mark Bowen with Birmingham manager Steve Bruce
Bowen (left) needs to find a compromise with Bruce
"If it means I have to wave them off on the tarmac, that's what I will do."

Bowen is also equally keen to maintain his role with Wales despite his club's insistence that he should concentrate 100% on his duties with them.

Bowen said: "As far as I'm concerned, nothing has changed and I want to be involved next month against Italy.

"I find it strange and amazing that people are saying I've officially resigned from my Wales job. That is nonsense.

"I'm in constant contact with Mark Hughes. He has nothing to add to what he has already said and neither have I."


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