Bowen says Hughes' team could surprise people in Portugal

Hughes' side head their Euro 2004 qualifying group with a 100% record and boast an unbeaten run stretching back to October 2001.

The manager's friend and former Wales sidekick Mark Bowen insists that Hughes will stick with his country until at least the end of the European Championships in Portugal, though.

Bowen, who gave up his Wales role to concentrate on coaching at Birmingham, said "Mark is a passionate Welshman and is fully committed to the job in hand.

"He will certainly take them through to the 2004 European Championships. If they do well there, who knows what will happen after that?

"He knows he owes it to the Welsh public and he knows the situation he has created."

Bowen quit his Wales post to concentrate on Birmingham

Bowen is convinced that Wales will qualify for the finals in Portugal and could then be a surprise packet with the likes of Ryan Giggs, John Hartson and Craig Bellamy in their line-up.

"The Republic of Ireland have reached quarter-finals in World Cups and I think Wales have got those capabilities with the players they've got," he said.

"Obviously it depends on them keeping players fit, but I'm sure they will surprise a few people when they get there.

"There are superb players like Bellamy, Hartson and Giggs who can create and take goal-scoring opportunities and there is also a well-organised team behind them."