Gary Speed appointed Wales boss

Former Wales captain, Gary Speed has been unveiled as the new coach of the Welsh national team.

He left Sheffield United after 4 months in charge at Bramall Lane, after the Welsh FA paid compensation to the club.

Speed spoke earlier today at a press conference. He said "It's something that's very difficult to turn down when your country comes calling,"

He added: "I am a very proud man to be asked to be manager of Wales I'm just thankful I've got the opportunity to come and try to make Wales successful. It's an opportunity I'm really looking forward to."

Speed is the most-capped player ever for Wales with 85 caps and has signed a contract until 2014.

His first competitive game in charge will be the 2012 European Championship Qualifier against England on March 26, but will play Ireland in the Four Nations Cup first in February.

Former Newcastle and Everton player, Speed lost half of his games in charge of the Blades this season, after being replacing Kevin Blackwell as manager in August.

Speed says he realises how difficult the task ahead of him is, with Wales currently ranked 111th in the FIFA World Rankings.

He said: "It's my job to lift Welsh football from top to bottom and I'm really looking forward to the challenge," he added.

"We need to consistently compete on a world stage, not just coming close to qualifying every now and again."

Female First - Chris Mayer