FORMER Chelsea and Newcastle United manager Ruud Gullit has hinted that he could be the man to save Wales’ Euro 2012 campaign.

Caretaker boss Brian Flynn’s hopes of replacing John Toshack on a full-time basis received a big blow with Friday night’s tepid 1-0 defeat to Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium.

That left Wales with two defeats from two matches in the race for a place at the championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Many names have been put forward to take the national job since Toshack departed last month, including Ryan Giggs, John Hartson and Terry Venables.

Ian Rush, whose only foray into management was a short stint with Chester, is the current even-money bookmakers’ favourite, with Chris Coleman at 9/2, but Gullit told the Argus that he could be a shock contender for the role.

The Dutch legend, a former two-time world player of the year, has been out of management since leaving LA Galaxy two years ago and is currently a Sky TV pundit, but he says he would be interested in talking to the FAW.

“I love working for Sky but if the right job came along I would love to get back into management,” said the 48-year-old.

“Wales need to make sure they get the right man for the job. I won’t be applying but if they were to come to me I would consider it, certainly.

“I’m always interested in whatever anyone has to say to me.”

Of the other candidates, the Euro 1988 winning captain gave his backing to former England boss Venables, but he believes the job has come too soon for Manchester United star Giggs.

“I don’t know too much about Brian Flynn. Terry Venables is a very good candidate but I think the job has come a bit too soon for Ryan Giggs,” he explained.

“He is still playing for Manchester United, and if he is going to go into coaching I think he will do that at his club first of all to gain some experience.”

A third defeat from three Group G games tomorrow night would leave Flynn with it all to do to convince his FAW bosses that he is the man to lead the side into the mammoth clash with England next March.

And his chances were further hit by another raft of player withdrawals over the weekend.

Midfielder Joe Ledley pulled out of the squad before yesterday’s flight to Basel because his partner, Ruby, is expecting their first child.

In defence Flynn is without Neal Eardley (ankle) and suspended duo Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts.

Midfielder Joe Allen (hamstring) is also out, and up front Hal Robson-Kanu (hamstring) joins Craig Bellamy (knee), Robert Earnshaw (calf), Ched Evans (thigh) and Sam Vokes (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Flynn has drafted in Bournemouth defender Rhoys Wiggins and Swansea City midfielders Shaun MacDonald and Jazz Richards, but his depleted squad for the must-win match now contains more goalkeepers than strikers.