Speed moves quickly to try and lure Giggs

Speed was appointed as John Toshack's successor in the Wales hotseat last week and is now in the process of forming his back-room team.

Giggs was the early favourite for the top job but, with six months still to go on his current United contract, it was a no-go.

However, the 37-year-old, holder of a record 11 Premier League titles and 64 Wales caps, could be tempted to take a smaller role.

Former Sheffield United manager Speed said: "It would be great to get him involved in some respect. I spoke to him last week and we'll have to wait and see."

Giggs, who is taking his coaching badges, succeeded Speed as Wales captain in 2004 before retiring from the international game three years later in order to prolong his club career.

Speed is also looking for an experienced coach to assist him, with Wales Under-21 boss Brian Flynn and Speed's right-hand man at the Blades, John Carver, potentially in the frame.

"I want to bring the best people in for the sake of Welsh football," continued the 41-year-old. "I want a good coach to do the day-to-day coaching sessions on the training pitch whereas I do more team shape.

"Then I would like an experienced man behind me who has had experience at maybe Premier League and international football (level) because I'm relatively young."

Speed's first match in charge will be the Nations Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on February 8.

Samuel Eto'o was last night crowned African Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in Cairo.

The Cameroon striker, who enjoyed little success with his country but won the treble with his club Inter Milan last season, becomes the first player to win the award four times.