Mark Hughes has finally put pen to paper and committed himself to continue as Wales manager for the next four years.

The deal had been on the table since last October for Hughes, who had a reputation as a player for taking time over his contracts.

But the Football Association of Wales will breathe a collective sigh of relief that they've kept their man.

"Mark has signed a two-year extension to his current contract, which he delivered to our offices on Friday," an FAW spokesman said.

"His deal up until now had been on a part-time basis. But he will now be on a full-time contract for the next four years."

The former Manchester United striker has taken Wales to the top of group nine in the European Championship 2004 qualifying round, beating Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan on the way.

Wales have jumped up the Fifa world rankings to 52nd - their highest position for years - and that success attracted the interest of several Premiership chairman to Hughes' skills.

The deal put forward by the FAW is the biggest ever offered to a Wales manager.

The package starts with a basic �175,000 wage in the first year, rising to �250,000 in the final year in 2006.

But there is also the offer of a substantial six-figure bonus on offer if Hughes can guide Wales into the Euro 2004 finals or qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Also on the table is the promise of a lucrative testimonial match for Hughes at the Millennium Stadium.

Yet even this package is small change compared to what a big Premiership club could offer, so the FAW have included hefty compensation clauses should a club poach Hughes.

Welsh football's governing body will receive �250,000 should Hughes go to a Premiership club, or half that amount if a Division One club entices him away.

The news will come not just as a huge boost to the FAW and the Welsh fans, but also to the Wales players.

They can now prepare for the friendly against Bosnia on 12 February at the Millennium Stadium knowing they have a real chance of making a major finals for the first time since 1958.