Speed is Welsh hero

Last updated : 21 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Speed put in a magnificent individual performance, prompting manager Mark Hughes to say: "Gary led from the front but that is what Gary Speed is all about. He is a big, big influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"He realises he has a great squad of players around him and he is there to guide them, and he certainly did that in this match.

"Gary was outstanding out there. It was a towering performance by a man who has been around the Wales squad for many years and can now maybe see some reward."

Elsewhere Shay Given and Nikos Dabizas were on opposing sides in friendly game in Athens. The match finished 0-0 and was possibly the worst game of football of the year.

Steve Caldwell was an unused substitute as Scotland crashed 2-0 in Portugal, whilst both Brian Kerr and Gary Caldwell played in Scotland Under-21s 2-0 defeat by Belguim.

Sign-up for your daily Toon News e-mail