Critics of Giggs can now eat their words, says Allen

Joe Allen has told the critics of Ryan Giggs to “eat their words” after the Wales manager guided his side to a major international tournament in his first qualifying campaign.

Wales secured their place in next summer’s European Championship after a 2-0 victory against Hungary

Proud: Ryan Giggs overcame a poor start to lead Wales to the European Championship on Tuesday that left Giggs on the verge of tears, with the former winger describing it as “one of the greatest nights of my life”.

Giggs was not a universally popular appointment when he was given the Wales job in January 2018. His critics said he had not shown enough commitment to his country as a player and questioned his lack of managerial experience. Those doubts were only strengthened by a disappointing start to this qualifying campaign, with Wales taking just three points from their first three games in the group. But Giggs orchestrated a remarkable five-match unbeaten run that secured their place in a second successive European Championship.

“He has delivered,” said Allen. “He came in off the back of a great manager [Chris Coleman], who had huge success. It was always going to be tough, but he has got us there.”

Asked if qualification will change the perception of Giggs among supporters, Allen added: “I think so. He has done the job. A lot of people are going to have to eat their words with some of the criticism which has been thrown at us.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale’s fractious relationship with Real Madrid was further damaged when the Wales captain celebrated with a banner reading “Wales. Golf. Madrid – In that order”. Spanish reports have claimed that he may be forced to train alone in Madrid.