WALES skipper Ryan Giggs, 33 in November, has stressed his hunger to lead Wales into a major finals.

Giggs steps out tonight in Swansea to win his 57th cap, hoping that the forthcoming Euro 2008 campaign will end up with him gracing the stage of a major finals for the first time.

But many would say that is probably an unlikely outcome as boss John Toshack bids to blend a new young brigade of Welsh new blood into a viable squad alongside the decreasing number of top stars, with Giggs and Craig Bellamy the crucial components.

But Giggs is still confident as ever, saying: "The hunger is still there to qualify, it always has been and it always will be. Throughout my career you remember the disappointments more than you remember winning the leagues and winning cups.

"It's the disappointments of missing out on major tournaments and I want to put that right."

Giggs can now be the central figure in Wales' plans, playing in a deeper, holding role like he does at Manchester United.

But he admitted: "I don't know what position I consider myself, the last game I played for United I played three different positions, but as long as I'm playing that's the main thing.

"I can play in the middle and use my experience or play out wide as a winger where I'm used to it. I made a conscious decision to add things to my game a few years and if I can use my experience or confidence then great."

Giggs added: "I'm looking forward to it all. The next game is where the real stuff starts but this is good preparation because the start of the qualifiers is not long away.

"It's important for us all to be here because it's a dress rehearsal. It's difficult for clubs because the Premiership season hasn't even started yet.

"But we also realise it's important for us to prepare for Wales. We've not been together since May and although it's only a couple of days, we can try different things and look at players who may stake a claim for that game."

lMark Delaney is praying he can rekindle his Wales career and help John Toshack's team have a successful Euro 2008 campaign.

The Aston Villa defender is finally back in the Wales fold after yet another season wrecked by injuries and operations.

He said: "In the seven seasons I have been involved in top-flight football, it has been the same story for me in terms of injuries. All I want is an injury-free season for club and country."

- Paul Parry replaces David Partridge in the Wales squad after the Bristol City defender, who is on loan with Leyton Orient, withdrew because of a groin injury.

But Monmouth-based Parry's Cardiff City club-mate Joe Ledley has overcome a thigh knock.

Gwent's West Ham pairing of Danny Gabbidon (Cwmbran) and James Collins (Newport) are expected to feature but West Brom's unsettled midfielder Jason Koumas has withdrawn "because of his personal circumstances".

Wales: Paul Jones (QPR), Danny Coyne (Burnley), Jason Brown (Blackburn); James Collins, Danny Gabbidon (both West Ham), Mark Delaney (Aston Villa), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth), Rob Edwards (Wolves), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby), Sam Ricketts (Hull); Simon Davies (Everton), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Paul Parry, Joe Ledley (both Cardiff), Carl Robinson (Norwich), David Vaughan (Crewe); Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), David Cotterill (Bristol City), Rob Earnshaw (Norwich), Ryan Giggs (Manchester Utd).