Mark Bowen is still clinging on to the hope of continuing as Wales assistant coach despite being forced to miss a third successive international match.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has refused to give Bowen permission to join up with Wales as they prepare for next week's Euro 2004 qualifier with Italy.

Bruce wants Bowen to concentrate solely on helping him guarantee Premiership survival for City.

The 38-year-old missed last month's Euro opener against Finland and the August friendly against Croatia, and Hughes seems to have lost patience with Birmingham in trying to find a compromise.

Bowen admitted to being "heartbroken" at missing the Italy game, but he still believes he will be able to help out in some capacity in the future.

"I understand Steve's feelings over this and I respect them as well," he said.

"Of course, long-term, I hope that I would be able to get involved with the international set-up again.

"I would hate to think that I was closing the door on Wales forever, because it means so much to me.

"Steve has every reason to make his feelings known and I accept his point of view entirely."