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Page last updated at 09:12 GMT, Saturday, 25 September 2010 10:12 UK

Kenny Jackett tips Brian Flynn for permanent Wales job

Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn
Flynn managed Swansea from 2002 until 2004 when Jackett took over

Kenny Jackett believes Brian Flynn is the man to take Wales forward on a permanent basis.

Flynn has been handed the caretaker role for Wales two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland in October following John Toshack's exit.

Millwall boss Jackett has already ruled himself out of the running, but says Flynn - who he succeeded as Swansea boss in 2004 - should get the job.

"I think Brian would be the ideal candidate personally," said Jackett.

"He's worked very hard behind the scenes. John was quite astute in giving him the reins to do what he's been doing in terms of developing young players."

Flynn was appointed by Toshack six years ago with the brief of supplementing the senior squad with young talent to replace ageing internationals.

He has been in charge of Wales' Under-17, 19 and 21 sides since 2004.

Flynn went on to transform a Wales Under-21 side that failed to win a game in 26 attempts between March 1997 and October 2002.

They narrowly missed out on the 2009 European Under-21 Championships - losing to eventual runners-up England in a two-leg play-off.

And despite topping their pool for virtually the whole of the campaign, Wales' Under-21 side narrowly missed out on a play-off place for the 2011 Championships after a 1-0 defeat in Italy.

The Football Association of Wales have yet to name a permanent successor to Toshack who stepped down earlier this month after six years in charge, following the 1-0 opening Euro 2012 qualifying defeat in Montenegro.

Morison aims to be Wales success

Jackett, who led Swansea to promotion from League Two in 2005 and to the League One play-off final a year later, and more recently took Millwall to the Championship via last season's play-offs, was installed as one of the early bookmakers' favourites to succeed Toshack.

But the 48-year-old former Wales international told the BBC's Sport Wales programme he feels it would be too early for him.

"It's a fantastic job and international football is terrific, but at this stage I'm settled at Millwall," said Jackett, who won 31 caps between 1983 and 1988.

"At this stage of my career I think club management is right for me."

One person who could be in with a chance of playing a key role for Wales in the future is striker Steve Morison who Jackett plucked from non-league in the summer of 2009.

The former Stevenage striker went on to score 23 goals last season to help Millwall win promotion, and has already hit six in the Championship as well as receiving call-ups for Wales' last two games.

"It's terrific, I'm really pleased for him," Jackett said of the 26-year-old who cost just £130,000.

"It's added to his confidence. He's gone away with Wales and it's definitely helped him and I can see a change in him as a person.

"Now with the change of manager it will be interesting to see how he fits in, but I'm sure he'll get his opportunity and his chance.

"One thing I do know about Brian Flynn is that he watches all the players and works very hard, so Steve will get an opportunity I'm sure."



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see also
The small man in Wales' big job
13 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Flynn accepts Wales caretaker job
13 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Wales job 'too early' for Pulis
10 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Giggs ruled out as new Wales boss
10 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Toshack departs as Wales manager
09 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Morison eager to make Wales debut
11 Aug 10 |  Welsh
Pick your Wales XI
05 Feb 07 |  Welsh
Wales' football managers
13 Sep 10 |  Welsh
Wales football bosses in photos
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Welsh football history
25 Mar 10 |  Welsh
Wales' international fixtures
22 Aug 07 |  Welsh
Wales' results archive
10 Oct 05 |  Welsh
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales


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