Wales' Gareth Bale believes in Brian Flynn's (right) capabilities as manager

Gareth Bale has led a host of current Wales players who have given caretaker Brian Flynn their backing for the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Wales are looking for a replacement for John Toshack who stepped down last month after six years at the helm.

Flynn says he still wants the job despite losing both his Euro 2012 qualifying games in caretaker charge.

"Personally I hope he does get the job on a permanent basis," Tottenham winger Bale told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think Brian has done very well since he's come in. He's made the training a lot more lively and it's good to work with him."

The Football Association of Wales now have five months before the next 2012 European Championship home qualifier with England on 26 March.

Welsh football's governing body will meet on Thursday to formalise its plans to appoint a new full-time manager for the national team - and hope to fill the vacancy before Christmas.

An FAW managerial sub-committee is expected to invite applications for the role vacated by Toshack after Wales' opening qualifying defeat in Montenegro.

606: DEBATE Flynn will bring the best out of the younger players and if we have to be patient then so be it fatronald

Flynn, who has been hailed for his work in Wales' youth set-up since Toshack appointed him six years ago, has helped the likes of Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison and Chris Gunter into the senior team.

The 55-year-old says he has been informed his name would be on the managerial shortlist despite the 1-0 defeat at home to Bulgaria last Friday and the 4-1 loss in Switzerland on Tuesday, which has left Wales bottom of Group G with no points from three games.

But Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards believes Flynn should be given the job.

"For me personally, I definitely feel he's the right man for Wales," said 22-cap Edwards.

"It is a results industry and they haven't gone well but I think the Welsh fans can take heart from the performances we have put in.

"We've had a great week training and I think it would be silly to rule him out because he has done such a great job."

And Reading striker Simon Church, another player who came through the Wales youth ranks added: "I strongly believe that he should take the job.

"I'm 100% backing him and the staff around him. What he's done since coming in has been more professional and shows the willing to win."

Outspoken former Wales international Robbie Savage has withdrawn his support for Flynn, though, after he was not called despite several key players withdrawing for various reasons.

"I feel a bit let down by Brian," said the Derby midfielder. "I think I could have added something to the two games with an experienced head and he said he was going his way for those two games which I respect.

"But then he had four, five or six drop-outs and he's calling players into the squad that I've never heard of which I thought was degrading to me.

"I think Wales should have a fresh start... get a new fresh man in charge with new ideas and give the whole of Wales a lift."

But Stoke defender Danny Collins, who was called up by Flynn for the two games after a three-year absence defended Flynn.

"It's two games, he's not a miracle worker, he's a human being," said the 30-year-old.

"I think he's come in and we've had some good training sessions this week, the lads have enjoyed it and from the 10 days we've been together

"At the end of the day it's not my decision but I wish Brian all the best."

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, Stoke boss Tony Pulis, Millwall manager Kenny Jackett and new Sheffield United chief Gary Speed have ruled themselves out of the job.

Former Wales trio Ian Rush, Chris Coleman and John Hartson have all expressed an interest in the job.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version