Hughes gets FAW backing Feature: Hughes at a crossroads

"The only way to get over disappointments in football is to look to the next challenge, which is to qualify for a major championship," said Giggs after the crushing blow of Euro 2004 failure against Russia.

"This is as low as I've felt in football, but I'm already looking at the World Cup campaign."

The international futures of Paul Jones, Andy Melville and Gary Speed do not look so clear-cut, though, and much may depend on whether manager Mark Hughes stays in charge of the side.

"I hope we can stay together as a team because we have worked hard to achieve so much," said Giggs, who will turn 30 at the end of the month.

I don't know if I want to go on Wales captain Gary Speed Match report: Wales 0-1 Russia

"There are older players in the squad, though, and you would have to put the question to individuals."

Fulham central defender Andy Melville, who will be 35 at the end of November, could have played his last game for Wales, and captain Gary Speed, a close ally of Hughes in the camp, left his future participation open to question.

"I don't know if I want to go on, I haven't thought about it yet," said the 34-year-old Newcastle United midfielder.

"As a squad we have to keep the momentum going and keep improving if we are going to qualify for a major championship."

Southampton goalkeeper Paul Jones was another crushed by the disappointment of the Russian defeat.

"At the moment I don't feel like I ever want to play football again," said 36-year-old Jones.

"I'll take stock, but it feels like I've missed out on my chance to play at a major finals."

The feelings were acknowledged by Hughes, whose own future is being waited on with bated breath by Welsh fans.

"A lot of people will be looking at their futures, but they really need to go away, take stock and make a decision in the cold light of day," said the Welsh manager.

"Everyone is very emotional at the moment and they were all very down in the dressing room after the game. We have come a long way in a short space of time but we have not managed to take that final step."