WALES soccer star Ryan Giggs today praised the national rugby team for their Grand Slam success and hoped it would rub off on the soccer side when they meet Austria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Giggs, speaking at the handing over of a £250,000 cheque by sponsors Reebok to the Welsh Rugby Union in Cardiff this morning said: "It was a great achievement by the rugby players which has lifted the whole of Wales.

"They waited 27 years for the Grand Slam success and it was a similar situation when I was first at Manchester United. We hadn't won the league for 26 years.

"I don't think that the achievement will sink in until a later stage when the players find themselves being congratulated wherever they go, including the supermarket and even abroad on their holidays, because of the interest they've created.

"I saw the scenes in Cardiff on Saturday with everyone watching and they all want a part of the players but it's something you are bound to enjoy.

"I think that the good feeling factor will lift everyone in the Welsh soccer camp. For the past couple of days since we got together everyone has been buzzing because of the rugby."

Giggs revealed he went into the Manchester United lounge at half time during their game with Fulham on Saturday to find the Wales rugby score.

"When I saw we were leading at half time I ribbed Roy Keane about the scoreline."

Giggs wins his 50th cap against Austria, his first under new manager John Toshack.

Commenting on that he said: "It gives us a chance to see what he's all about and for him to have a close look at the players.

"A lot of places in the Welsh soccer team are up for grabs and it will give some young players the chance to prove themselves for the future."

Commenting on the Robbie Savage retirement after a falling out with Toshack, Giggs said: "Sav, as everyone knows, was a bubbly character so obviously we'll miss him off the pitch and we will miss him on it too because he is a good player.

"But players are used to players coming and going and just get on with it. You have to be professional enough to concentrate on the job in hand.

"I hope this situation gets resolved, but at the moment Robbie's retired.

"There aren't that many league players available to Wales and you need as much quality as you can get, and that's why it's a shame Robbie's not with us now but, as I said, you have to get on with it."