Solskjaer: Giggs needs world stage

Giggs and Solskjaer have enjoyed huge club success

Norway v Wales - Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo
Live on BBC2 Wales, coverage begins 1745 BST (KO 1800 BST)
Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to see his Old Trafford team-mate Ryan Giggs playing in the World Cup finals.

Both men face each other at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium on Wednesday in what is effectively a meaningless match.

Wales' faint hopes of qualification were buried after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Armenia, while Norway's 3-0 defeat by Poland leaves them at the foot of Group 5.

Solskjaer said: "You would like to see Ryan in a World Cup against the best defenders in the world.

On his day he (Ryan Giggs) is the best dribbler in the world

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

"But thankfully he does play against the best for Manchester United, so that must be some consolation for him.

"You want to play on the biggest stage. Ryan is not going to do it this time.

"But if (Wales boss) Mark Hughes keeps the spirit going you never know - they might qualify for the European Championships.

"I know Wales are low in the rankings, and they always get very hard groups because of that.

"But sometimes it is easier to play against so-called better teams, like in this group."

Norway were originally favourites to qualify from Group 5, but have so far failed to win a single match.

The expectations mean the pressures on Norway coach Nils Semb now are greater than those on Hughes as his team approach their penultimate group match.

Solskjaer said: "I don't think the Norwegian people are very happy with us.

"Nine out of 10 are unhappy with us, so it's important for us to show them what we can do better. The pressure is on our coach, and us too."

Solskjaer believes Wales are improving under Mark Hughes and expects a tough match on Wednesday.

The Norway fans expect better from Solskjaer and co.

He said: "It looks to me that Mark Hughes has got things going on the right lines.

"I have spoken to Ryan about it, and he is very positive.

"On his day he is the best dribbler in the world. Fortunately I see him a lot from the sidelines, and he's just fantastic to watch.

"He, above all, is the player we must be careful of. He is Wales' best player.

"But there are many other for Wales in the Premier League, and they have a good unit - so it won't be easy."

Wales will have John Robinson, Darren Barnard, John Hartson and Nathan Blake all back from injury or suspension, but Andy Melville is suspended.

But if they fail to beat Norway they will equal their worst record for 31 years.

Giggs, again leading the side in Gary Speed's absence, said: "There's a lot of young players, a great bunch of lads and they all want desperately to win games.

"We work hard in games and training - but sometimes we just miss chances.

"I think we have got things sorted at the other end and we have stopped giving away silly goals; now it's up to us forwards to score at the other end."