Mark Hughes has been confirmed as Wales's new soccer manager.

The Southampton player was given the job formally at the FAW meeting in Llangollen.

He has agreed a four and a half year deal which will see him take charge for the 2002 World Cup campaign and the European Championship bid in 2004.

The deal, which was brokered a FAW sub committee last month, was passed by the FAW full council on Wednesday. Two councillors abstained from voting.

Negotiation

The Welsh international applauded the FAW's decision.

"Everybody on board was pulling in the right direction and the same direction and that has been borne out by the decision," he said.

"I realise that it has dragged on a bit. I think everybody has got a little fed up with waiting and wondering what exactly the situation was.

"Now it has been confirmed I am obviously delighted and am able to get on with the job."

The decision comes after weeks of negotiations between the former Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea player, his current club Southampton and the FAW.

Hughes will lead Wales in two friendly internationals early next year with possible dates pencilled in for 23 February and 29 March.

The 35-year-old, who will carry on playing for the Premiership club this season, said he was close a making a decision on whether to hang up his international boots for good.

"I keep on saying never say never but I think we're closer to it than we have ever been," he said.

"Maybe in the next couple of months I will officially declare the end to it but you never know."