Gary Speed has applauded the style of football Wales are playing

But Speed, who ended his international career just before Toshack took over as manager, believes Wales cannot afford to leave Premiership players out.

Robbie Savage, John Oster and Danny Collins are all absent from the squad.

"I think Wales have gone forward - I've watched Wales play some of the best football I've seen them play," Speed told the BBC's Sport Wales programme.

"But we're just struggling for players. You saw the difference Craig Bellamy made when he was injured for the Germany game and them came back for Slovakia - the difference was immense.

"For me as a Welshman, it's disappointing that Premiership players like Savage, Oster and Collins aren't playing.

"I think he (Toshack) should play them. I don't think Wales can afford not to have these players in the team or the squad."

It was reported that Speed had a training ground argument with Bolton manager Sammy Lee, after being left out of the 1-0 loss against Chelsea that left Wanderers in serious trouble near the foot of the Premiership.

I've got no plans to hang up my boots at the moment Gary Speed

Reports suggested Speed could step down as Bolton's player-coach, a role he took on at the Reebok Stadium after Sam Allardyce left to manage Newcastle and Lee took over.

But former Wales midfielder Speed told Sport Wales that his main focus was still on playing, insisting he had no desire to hang up his boots despite turning 38 last month.

"Coaching has given me an insight into what goes on behind the scenes, but when it comes to the actual practical sessions I'm still being coached as a player," said Speed, now the oldest player in the top-flight.

"Being a player is my primary objective. I've got no plans to hang up my boots at the moment.

"I'll keep going as long as I can, until someone says 'you've had enough'. I think I'll know in my own mind when it's time to finish.

"What keeps me going? First and foremost it's desire. That feeling of wanting to play, not getting fed up of going out on a Saturday and playing. I'm still as hungry and enthusiastic as ever.

"I do yoga two or three times a week. That keeps me supple and helps my ageing body!"

Speed is Wales' most capped outfield player, the former Newcastle midfielder making his international debut against Costa Rica in 1990 and picking up 85 caps before retiring in October 2004 at the end of Mark Hughes' reign as manager.

"We had two really good teams when I was involved," Speed said. "One was the early 1990s team that included the likes of Ian Rush, Dean Saunders and Mark Hughes. That was fantastic.

"And the other one was the one under Mark that reached the play-offs for Euro 2004 against Russia.

"In both instances, we felt we could beat anyone. It's not always as a Welsh player that you get that feeling."

Sport Wales is on BBC 2W on Thursday at 22:00 BST.

BBC 2W is available outside of Wales on freeview and digital/cable satellite.