THE GOLDEN GENERATION ..OF BOSSES

Gerrard, Lampard and me are part of a ‘new era’ says Giggs

RYAN GIGGS insists he is ready to thrive ahead of his first competitive game as Wales boss after hailing the impact of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

The Manchester United legend hopes it heralds a “new era” of stars making the transition from elite playing careers to management.

Lampard, 40, has helped Derby to fourth in the Championship, while fellow former England midfielder Gerrard has one defeat in 13 games at Rangers.

Giggs wants to make his mark too in the UEFA Nations League, with around 25,000 expected at Cardiff City Stadium for Ireland’s visit tonight. The 44-yearold says the impact of Lampard and Gerrard, 38, heightened his belief he can also hack it in the dug-out.

He said: “I’ve been following both of them and they’ve had good starts. It’s pleasing to see as a player who’s played at the top level that can you go and do it as a manager. We will just have to wait and see how they do, but they have made good starts.

“It’s like players, if you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter what your age is. They have prepared as best they could, just like I did. If it is a new era I don’t know yet, but we’re football people.

“You can do TV work, which is great, but you just miss that football bit where you’re out on the pitch and preparing teams and that buzz of games as well.” Giggs took charge in January and had two matches at the China Cup – a 6-0 win against China and a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay – and a friendly against Mexico which ended 0-0.

He is putting his stamp on the team after succeeding Chris Coleman following Wales’ failure to reach the 2018 World Cup. A number of youngsters are in the squad including Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn, Declan John and Tyler Roberts.

Giggs, who played for United from 1990 to 2014, wants his side to excite Bale to score both halves fans and accepts Ireland will be a tough test as Wales have not beaten them in their last six meetings.

He added: “I want the team to be hard to beat and good to watch. I want players to go out and express themselves and do what they are good at.”

Ashley Williams is keeping the captaincy and will add to his 79 caps despite dropping into the Championship on loan at Stoke from Everton.