Wide man seeking centre stage for Wales

Ryan Giggs has been making headlines for Manchester United FC for more than a decade. A source of excitement and inspiration down the left flank, Giggs's dribbling skills are a throwback to an earlier age - yet have proved a significant factor in United's domination of modern English football, following the inception of the FA Premiership in 1992.

Sublime ball skills
His sublime ball skills, speed and capacity to ghost past opponents brought Giggs, son of a Welsh rugby league international, to prominence at an early age. Born in November 1973, this slim, dark-haired figure became Wales's youngest international when he came on as a substitute against West Germany at the age of 17 years and 321 days - and all this despite having earlier captained England schoolboys.

League debut
Giggs moved to England from Wales at the age of seven. Ironically, as a boy he joined Manchester City FC - United's rivals - and trained at their school of excellence until he was 14. On his 14th birthday, however, Giggs signed for United. In November 1990, just after his 17th birthday, he turned professional and several months later - on 2 March 1991 - Giggs made his league debut for United against Everton FC at Old Trafford stadium. His first league start, in the Manchester derby against City, followed before the end of the season and Giggs scored the only goal of the match.

Young Player of the Year
At the end of his first full season, Giggs was voted the Young Player of the Year by the English Professional Footballers' Association, and went on to become the only player ever to win the award twice (1992 and 1993). In February 2001 he was declared United's third-best player of all time behind George Best and Eric Cantona, in the 100th edition of Manchester United Magazine.

Impressive CV
By the close of 2001, Giggs had already won more trophies than any other player in the history of United, including the 1999 UEFA Champions League, three FA Premiership and FA Cup 'doubles,' a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the English League Cup.

Captain's armband
On the international stage, Giggs has faced criticism for failing to appear for Wales in friendly internationals. He has played 31 times for his country scoring seven goals and was appointed Wales captain in 2001. Like Best, another former United hero whose international career was spent in the shadows with Northern Ireland, it is often said Giggs may never have the chance to display his skills in the finals of a major tournament, be it the UEFA European Championship or the FIFA World Cup.

Pursuit of glory
Time is not on the Welsh winger's side, certainly. Should Wales fail to qualify for EURO 2004™, Giggs's final chance may come in the qualifying campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. It is unlikely that these thoughts trouble the fleet-footed Welshman, however. Not when his day job involves the persistent pursuit of glory.