Savage was caught in a dispute over whether he could play for the Blues against Fulham before joining up with his country for a European Championship qualifier.

Wales had invoked a Fifa rule which meant that Savage could be called up four days before a competitive international match.

With Wales having an Euro 2004 match in Azerbaijan on 20 November, it would have ruled the midfielder out of Birmingham's Premiership clash on the 17th.

John Hartson, Ryan Giggs, Mark Pembridge and Andy Melville would also have missed their club matches on the same Sunday.

But football's world governing body, after initially backing the Welsh stance, did a U-turn on Tuesday.

Fifa declared the quintet only had to report 48 hours before the tie, as it was taking place in a week designated for friendly internationals.

However, Savage insists his stamina will be up to the task, claiming that "playing two games in four days will not be a problem".

Birmingham had been the most vociferous in standing their ground and had threatened the possibility of legal action if Savage was blocked from playing for them.

He will now play against Fullham before meeting up with the rest of the Wales squad in Cardiff that evening and then flying out to Azerbaijan the following day.

Savage said: "I'm just delighted that it has been sorted out... I've been in the middle and I've left it to the authorities to sort this matter out.

"I've understood the views of both parties... I want to help Birmingham hopefully get some more points in our bid to stay in the Premiership.

"I also want to play a part in helping Wales get to the European Championship finals in 2004.

Birmingham chairman David Gold said: "I am thrilled that common sense has prevailed.

"I would also stress that we wish Wales all the best and want them to get to the Euro finals, but it's about having a relationship between club and country, not a war."

Full Wales squad:

Goalkeepers: Paul Jones (Southampton), Mark Crossley (Middlesbrough), Darren Ward (Nottm Forest).
Defenders: Danny Coyne (Grimsby), Andy Melville (Fulham), Robert Page (Sheff Utd), Mark Delaney (Aston Villa), Darren Barnard (Grimsby), Danny Gabbidon, Rhys Weston (both Cardiff).
Midfielders: Gary Speed (Newcastle), Mark Pembridge (Everton), Robbie Savage (Birmingham), Simon Davies (Tottenham), Carl Robinson (Portsmouth), Andy Johnson (West Brom), Paul Trollope (Northampton), Jason Koumas (West Brom), Paul Evans (Bradford), Ryan Giggs (Man Utd).
Strikers: John Hartson (Celtic), Nathan Blake (Wolves), Craig Bellamy (Newcastle), Gareth Taylor (Burnley), Robert Earnshaw (Cardiff).