WELSH idol Ryan Giggs insists Welsh Euro 2004 qualification will be just the tonic for his 'poor' early season form.

The 29-year-old left-winger was a victim of the Manchester United boo-boys before Christmas after, by his own admission, a disappointing run of performances for the Old Trafford giants.

But Giggs, capped 39 times, said: "That will all be forgotten if Wales qualify for the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal."

The Welsh glamour boy is also eagerly chasing his own personal treble - Champions League and Premiership crowns with Manchester United and European Championship qualification with Wales.

"This could prove be the best year of my career," added Giggs, who has helped United to Premiership glory on seven occa

sions and has a 1999 Champions League winners' medal.

"If we win the Premier League it will be one of the greatest wins because we were so far behind Arsenal, points-wise and in form.

"We're unbeaten in the league this year and unbeaten in ten league games.

"And the added spice with Wales too, it could be a very special season for me. Wales need to go into the five-month break in a better position than we are now so we can all enjoy the summer."

Wales, whose start of three wins out of three is their best start to a qualifying campaign, are now preparing for Saturday's Millennium Stadium clash with the minnows of Azerbaijan (3.30pm).

Victories over Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan (in Baku) ensure Mark Hughes' men top Group Nine, but Giggs warned: "Azerbaijan in Cardiff will be very tough.

"Our fans are expecting us to win quite comfortably. However they did test us in Baku and got a great draw in Serbia/Montenegro.

"But we know if we produce the football we're capable of we should be alright. We need to use the Italy game as a benchmark.

"For the first time in a while, Wales' destiny is in our own hands, but we've got a long way to go.

"We've only played three games and are not getting too excited. Obviously we need to use the confidence shown in the first three games, as Wales want to stay in pole position because it's a great feeling.

"We're in a great position with home games against Finland and Serbia/Montenegro to come. We don't want to let ourselves down against Azerbaijan. We've put ourselves in a great position but we don't want to lose it now by not turning up on Saturday.

"The thing with previous campaigns is that we have never put ourselves in a good position early on.

"Now we've had a good start there is expectation among the Welsh and it's something we've not had for a long time so we need to make the most of it."