Saunders says he has Toshack's support to become Wrexham boss

Wrexham manager Dean Saunders insists there will be no club versus country conflict as he juggles his two jobs.

The Welsh coach took over as Wrexham boss after Reds owner Geoff Moss gave Saunders assurances he could continue as John Toshack's Wales assistant.

Saunders said: "The Wales job is a big part of my life and doing both roles well will not be an issue.

"When Geoff was persuading me to be Wrexham boss, he made it clear he was happy for me to continue with Wales."

Toshack appointed former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United assistant Saunders as his number two in June 2007 following Salvador Iriarte's departure.

Football Association of Wales chiefs saw Saunders as their heir apparent to Toshack's throne when the veteran coach steps down from his post with the national team.

DEANO'S DOUBLE LIFE October 11: Wales v Liechtenstein, Wrexham v Histon November 18-19: Germany v Wales, Mansfield v Wrexham March 28: Wales v Finland, Histon v Wrexham

But it is feared that 44-year-old Saunders taking over from Brian Little as Blue Square Premier strugglers Wrexham's fourth boss in 22 months could jeopardise his future in the Welsh management structure.

Wales will play fixtures on or 24 hours after Wrexham games three times this season alone, a clash that could have the potential to undermine both of his important roles.

Wales boss Toshack has not publicly backed Saunders' ability to concentrate of two roles at once.

But both Saunders and Welsh FA secretary general David Collins maintain Toshack has permitted Saunders to lead a professional double life.

"Toshack is as patriotic as me and he wants Wrexham to get back in the Football League," said Saunders.

"I must thank him for allowing me to do this.

"When I go away with Wales, I'll have my Wales hat on and when I'm with Wrexham I'll be concentrating on Wrexham.

"I hope the people of Wrexham, though, will understand I'm trying to do something special for their national team because we are on the brink of something good.

606: DEBATE Saunders will need a good number two as he will be away on duty for Wales now and again WXM FC. WFL

"Geoff tried everything to get me and it's nice to feel wanted. I also feel the supporters want me so hopefully they'll understand."

Saunders is employed by the Welsh FA a match-by-match basis to be Toshack's assistant.

He will next week link up with Toshack's squad for their World Cup qualifying double-header with Liechtenstein and Germany.

Wales' game against Liechtenstein in Cardiff clashes with Wrexham's home match with Histon and Saunders will be away with Toshack's team in Germany on 15 October as Wrexham prepare for their fixture at Mansfield Town on 18 October.

Wales' friendly match in Denmark on 19 November is just a day after Wrexham's league game against Forest Green Rovers.

Then Wrexham's visit to Histon on 28 March is on the same day as Wales' World Cup qualifier with Finland at the Millennium Stadium.

Saunders could also miss out on crucial Wrexham preparation time for their game at Mansfield Town on 4 April as Saunders helps Wales for their home fixture against Germany.