UEFA's No 1 man has backed Wales to host a major European cup final within the next three years.

And in a double boost for the Principality, FIFA's top man has revealed Wales' position as an independent country in World soccer is not under threat.

The Football Association of Wales have already decided to bid to host a Champions League or UEFA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium in 2003, 2004 or 2005.

They believed hosting a European final in 2002 would be out of the question because Scotland's Hampden Park is to host the Champions' League.

But UEFA president Lennart Johannson, having toured the stadium while he was over here for the FAW's 125th anniversary celebrations, said: "Scotland is Scotland and Wales is Wales. The fact the two associations are on the same island has nothing to do with where we decide to take European finals.

"I have now seen the magnificent Millennium Stadium for the first time. The FA Cup final has been played here and that was quite something for Wales.

"The stadium has a five-star UEFA rating and is capable of hosting big matches.

"Why should this not include the Champions League or UEFA Cup finals?"

The position of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as separate associations inside FIFA has been threatened for some time because of the objections of smaller nations, particularly in Africa. But Blatter said, "It is time this matter was closed.

"The individual membership of the four British associations in the football family should not be regarded as a privilege, but as something based on merit."

Wales international Robert Page, the Watford captain, has been put on the transfer list by new club manager Gianluca Vialli.

The 26-year-old defender, recently named in Wales' squad for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Poland and the Ukraine, is one of seven men axed.

Cardiff City could be first in with an offer for Page as they are looking for an experienced defender to head their Second Division campaign.

Wales captain Gary Speed is to appeal against his sending off in Newcastle's last game of the season, their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Speed received the first red card of his career along with Villa's Ian Taylor. But Newcastle manager Bobby Robson is adamant the clash between the pair merited no more than yellow cards and both he and Speed are upset a three-match ban will mean the players missing the start of next season.

"It is almost too horrible to contemplate," said Speed. "I didn't throw a punch or anything like that and I'm gutted."