WELSH players were over the moon this morning after hearing that boss Mark Hughes is set to take on the Wales post on a full-time basis.

"If we ever needed a boost before the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign starts, this is it," beamed Wales midfielder John Robinson.

"It is fantastic news and all the Welsh players, I know, will be as delighted as me." After three years as part-time international manager, Hughes has confirmed he hopes to sign a £150,000 a year full-time deal with the Football Association of Wales.

The two-year contract will keep the 38-year-old at the helm as Hughes aims to steer Wales to the European Championships in Portugal in 2004 - and he should be installed before the qualifying campaign starts on September 7.

FAW chief David Collins said he was "delighted" with the news while Hughes said: "I'll be talking with them (the FAW) during the next few days and I hope we can iron everything out."

Charlton Athletic star Robinson added: "It will give Mark more chance to look at more players at Football League clubs.

"And he can fly out to watch other nations perform so he can be more confident about his own preparation."

Panteg-born Cardiff City defender Daniel Gabbidon, given his first cap by Hughes against Czech Republic in March, said: "Mark has done a really good job - and he's got the younger players involved early and is planning for the future."

Newport-born Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Nathan Blake admitted: "Wales were a bit of a shambles before Mark came in.

"But now our defence has been shored up, we are playing to a pattern and are performing as a unit. Mark becoming Welsh boss full-time is a great move."

The Wrexham-born boss was one of the finest strikers of his generations with top clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

But, after being released as a player by Blackburn Rovers at the end of last season, he said: "I'm ready for a new stage in my life.

"I am very excited by the potential of the Welsh squad. I know we've improved since I've been in charge. We've become more organised and harder to beat."