Speed unsure of Wales calling Hughes backs Speed for job Wales candidates bore Bellamy

"If Mark Hughes was going to find it difficult coaching Wales and managing in the Premiership, why should Gary find it any easier," said Allardyce.

"I recognise you have more time as a footballer than you do as a manager but the demands are just as great.

"Gary needs to get his mind settled, get relaxed and be focused about playing for Bolton for a little bit."

Speed, who is currently working on his coaching qualifications, retired from international football after winning his 85th cap in the 3-2 home defeat to Poland on Wednesday.

Out-going Wales boss Mark Hughes believes the 35-year-old midfielder would be a "good appointment" as his successor.

Hughes worked on a part-time basis with Wales for almost two years before eventually ending his playing career at Blackburn in 2002.

Allardyce, though, has urged Speed to forget about management for the time being in order to prolong his playing career as much as possible.

Gary needs to decide whether he wants to move into another job and carry on playing Sam Allardyce

"The first thing I would ask Gary is 'How long do you want to play football'," said the Trotters boos.

"I know from personal experience that when you stop playing it is the worst time of your life. It doesn't matter what job you have or where you go, it is simply awful.

"It can take a lot of adjusting to, especially when you have had a career as long as Gary's. You can be at a loss for months, maybe even years.

"You only have to look at the amount of players who have injections to prolong their careers to see how much it means to keep going.

"Gary needs to decide whether he wants to move into another job and carry on playing, or whether he is going to pack it in completely.

"I think I know the answer to that already. He wouldn't have played 61 times for Newcastle last season at nearly 35 years of age if he didn't love playing."