Wales soccer boss John Toshack has defended the stay-away fans for his first game in charge, with only 11,000 tickets having so far been sold.

Toshack's new reign kicks off tomorrow night at the Millennium Stadium against Hungary, but the supporters have so far failed to register much interest in the fixture, despite the feelgood factor returning to Wales after the rugby on Saturday.

Ryan Giggs has been handed the captaincy by Toshack to mark his 50th cap (if he overcomes hamstring trouble) but even this has failed to galvanise the supporters, something Toshack insists he can understand.

He explained: "We have to remember that over the years we have been fantastically supported with people going to the Millennium Stadium in their thousands but unfortunately we haven't been able to reward them, we have had five consecutive games at home without a victory and that takes it's toll on supporters.

"They have been disappointed time after time and I can understand if they can't go to every game.

"We have the obligation now to try and turn this round and show people that we are going to improve but we have to realise that we might go backwards before we go forwards, but we will get there in the end.

"But the customer is always right, supporters make their decisions and we have to accept it if they don't come to this one."

Toshack was delighted to announce Giggs as his skipper and believes it is just reward for the players services.

He said: "Ryan is one of the greatest Welsh international footballers of all time and as this will be his 50th cap, it is appropriate that he should be the captain."

However, Toshack would not be drawn on his long-term skipper, refusing to declare who would lead the side in next month's World Cup double meeting with Austria.

Cardiff City's Cwmbran product Danny Gabbidon has a hamstring problem and is doubtful along with Robbie Savage who has a groin strain.