It could be too early for Ryan Giggs to be in the dug-out full time

Eric Harrison says it is probably too early for Ryan Giggs to become Wales boss but expects the Manchester United star to manage his country one day.

Current boss John Toshack is understood to be considering his position and an announcement is expected on Thursday.

But Harrison, who was Giggs' mentor as United youth coach, believes the 36-year-old is likely to continue playing.

"It is a possibility [being Wales boss] but the... problem is he's playing outstandingly well," Harrison said.

"But if... he decides to retire tomorrow I think he'd be the perfect answer for the Wales manager's job.

"He probably thinks he's got another two years left but I know, deep down, he does want to be the manager of Wales, there's no doubt about that... he's doing all his coaching badges.

"I think he would be a success with Wales but whether he would go at this moment with him playing so well for Manchester United, only he can tell you."

Giggs retired from international football in May 2007 at the age of 33, having won 64 caps and scored 12 goals for Wales.

Despite being in the twilight of a distinguished playing career - having won 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and four League Cups - Giggs is clearly still a big part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad at Old Trafford.

Last year Cardiff-born Giggs signed a one-year contract extension that committed him to the club until June 2011, but there is every chance he could be offered at least another year.

One plan suggested is that Giggs could take on the Wales post part-time, with someone like current Wales Under-21 boss Brian Flynn helping him in an advisory capacity.

While Harrison says that remains a possibility, he has doubts that an international manager's job can be done part-time.

"It takes a lot of your time up playing for Manchester United, plus the fact that when you are manager of Wales - I remember when I was assistant manager with Mark Hughes - there's a lot goes on behind the scenes," Harrison said.

"Even though you've got scouts looking at your players and you've got scouts looking at the opposition, I think it's very, very important that the manager... go and have a look on a regular basis.

"Ryan may not be able to do that if he was still tied up with Manchester United."

Giggs' former Wales international team-mate John Hartson says he would be interested in taking over should Toshack stand down, while it is understood that another ex-Wales player - Chris Coleman - would also be interested if the post came free.

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