Robbie Savage to end his five-year Wales exile for new boss Gary Speed

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 07:30 EST, 16 December 2010

Derby captain Robbie Savage is ready to end his international retirement and play for Wales again under new boss Gary Speed.

The 36-year-old midfielder quit playing for his country in 2005 following a fall-out with then boss John Toshack.

Speed, who won 85 caps for Wales, left Sheffield United to take the job and he is keen to persuade a number of experienced players out of international retirement, including Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies and Savage.

'I have said I am available and if Gary thinks it's the right thing for me to come back, then I will do,' said Savage.

'I am a passionate Welshman and I loved playing for them. Of course I would play for Wales again, if asked.

'I have done well for Derby County in the Championship. Gary has been involved in the Championship with Sheffield United in the last two or three seasons and has seen how I have been playing.

'But I know he won't pick people for the sake of giving his old mates a last hurrah. He is a man who commands respect for what he's done on the pitch and for his football knowledge.'

Speed's first game in charge will be the Carling Nations Cup clash against the Republic of Ireland in February.