DEFIANT Mark Hughes is heading for war with Britain's top clubs.

The Wales boss will insist that ALL his players report for international duty at 3pm on Sunday, November 17 - just hours before five clubs play vital matches.

Hughes has invoked FIFA's four-day ruling ahead of the vital Euro 2004 qualifier against Azerbaijan.

And it means he faces a potential backlash from the likes Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over his "no talks" approach.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce was the first to speak out yesterday (as reported in the Argus) after hearing Robbie Savage would be expected to be at Wales' Cardiff HQ at the same time City take on Fulham in the Premiership.

Fulham said yesterday they were now "checking" whether their defender Andy Melville would be available to them.

It also means that Ryan Giggs will miss United's clash with West Ham. Ditto Everton's Mark Pembridge against Blackburn and Celtic's John Hartson against Partick Thistle.

But FAW chiefs are prepared to stand up for the Euro cause - insisting that Wales' fans are at the heart of their decision.

A Football Association of Wales spokesman, said last night: "There's no talking to be done. This is a decision which is fully supported by Mark Hughes.

"If one of our players is injured on the Sunday, then we have no chance of getting them enough treatment before the Wednesday game with Azerbaijan.

"We have an obligation to the Welsh footballing public to make sure all these players concerned are fit and well for us.

"This is the best chance Wales has had to qualifying for a major tournament in a long time and we will make sure we do everything to give the team the best possible chance of success."