WALES should appoint a Welshman to lead the national team, according to outgoing boss Mark Hughes.

THe new Blackburn Rovers boss stands down as Wales manager after the October double header against England and Poland and several big name foreigners have been linked with the position, such as Scotsman George Graham, Dutchman Gus Hiddink and English pair Bryan Robson and Sir Bobby Robson.

But Hughes is a firm believer that the new boss should come from the Principality.

He said: "You have to understand the mentality of the Welsh and Welsh public and their level of expectation. "If you come in from the cold you don't have an insight into that.

"If whoever comes in is of the same nationality I think that would help their position."

Dean Saunders, who ironically has just left Blackburn Rovers to follow Graeme Souness to Newcastle as coach, also believes that a Welshman should be handed the job.

When asked if he prefered a home appointment, Saunders said: "I would. I think Mark had the respect of all the players when he took over.

"He leads by example and I think the Blackburn players will take to him. But as for the Wales job, I would prefer a Welshman."

Meanwhile Hughes is preparing for emotional send-offs at Old Trafford on October 9 and the Millennium Stadium four days later.

He said: "It will be difficult for me emotionally and everyone who's been involved in the Welsh squad. "I would like to think we will be going into that game at the Millennium on the back of a fantastic result against England."

He added: "It will be a difficult time, it is a difficult game, but I hope will go out on a high."