Savage Knew He Wasn't in Squad

Last updated : 14 March 2005 By Gary Fish

Wales manager John Toshack has revealed he told Robbie Savage he was not in the Wales squad prior to Savage’s announcement of his international retirement.

Toshack said: "I spoke to Savage Monday morning and explained to him that he would not be in the squad for the two World Cup games with Austria," said Toshack.

"I told him I wanted to have a look at something else. He said he was retiring anyway and the line went dead."

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Savage, 30, says he quit to concentrate on his club football and family commitments.

However, it is publicly known Savage is on record as being against the appointment of Toshack following Mark Hughes’ departure to Blackburn Rovers.

"Savage was in the squad for the friendly with Hungary last month, he was injured and didn't play and we played with Carl Robinson and Carl Fletcher," said Toshack.

"I was happy with the way they played and want to see them in a competitive match."

Toshack said he thought it important to inform Savage of his decision to leave him out of the squad before he announced it this afternoon