NEWPORT-born Paul Parry could be sensationally thrown into the starting line-up tonight in Wales' friendly match with Scotland as a replacement for Ryan Giggs.

Giggs was expected to play in the Millennium Stadium clash but he did not train yesterday, after receiving a knock in the Manchester FA cup derby last weekend, which could mean a starting place for fellow left winger Parry.

It would cap an astonishing rise for the recent Cardiff City signing, who was playing non-League football only eight weeks ago for Hereford United.

The possible withdrawal of Giggs would be unwelcome for Wales boss Mark Hughes, but not a surprise. The Manchester United winger, arguably Wales' top player, has a history of friendly withdrawals and has an important Premiership clash with Leeds at the weekend as Sir Alex Ferguson's side try to claw back the gap with Arsenal, and he would not want Giggs to be injured in a meaningless match.

Also with the Champions League action resuming at the end of the month, Ferguson would not want Giggs risked if there was any doubt over his fitness.

But even if Giggs does make the starting eleven, the chances of him playing for ninety minutes are slim, which would mean that Parry is certain to feature at some point.

There has also been talk of Giggs partnering Robert Earnshaw up front, leaving the door open for Parry. Wales boss Mark Hughes said yesterday: "The lad probably doesn't know where he is at the moment. It is a very exciting time for him."

Wales are still hopeful, though, that Giggs will make an appearance.

FAW spokesman Ceri Stennett said: "Giggs didn't take part in full training yesterday, only some light work. "But he is still part of the squad and is up for selection. We will keep our fingers crossed he makes it."

Wales boss Hughes will be without a cast of thousands that includes John Hartson, Craig Bellamy, Mark Delaney and Jason Koumas but Robbie Savage and Simon Davies trained yesterday and should make the line-up.