Since then injuries have restricted the Welsh wizard's international career to just 48 appearances and eight goals.

Giggs is yet to play in a World Cup qualifier this term due to suspension and the 2006 tournament represents possibly his last chance of playing in a major international competition.

"To be satisfied with my Wales career I suppose we must qualify for a major tournament," says Giggs.

Domestically, the inspirational left-winger terrorises Premiership defences every week with his searing pace and incisive dribbling. Giggs has scored a total of 124 goals for Manchester United, the club he joined on his 14th birthday.

The child prodigy signalled his intention of becoming an Old Trafford legend when he scored the only goal of the game on his first start in the Manchester derby of 1991.

Giggs has since become the most decorated player in Reds history having earned his eighth League medal in 2003.

He has won 16 major honours in total and has been the scorer of many memorable and important United goals.

Giggs' dramatic solo effort against Arsenal in The FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park in the 1998-99 season was not only remarkable for its skill and ferocity, it also propelled Manchester United to their sweep of Championship, FA Cup, and Champions League honours.

He will no doubt thrive on playing at his home ground against some of his closest friends on Saturday, and revealed he has already been taunting the England players at United, saying: "I have been going past Gary Neville in training and saying ‘Get used to it'."

Ryan Giggs Factfile
Nationality: Wales (48 caps, 8 goal)
Date of Birth: 29 November 1973
Place of Birth: Cardiff, Wales
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 68 kg 

Year

Club

Apps

Goals

1990/91

Manchester United

2

1

1991/92

Manchester United

38

4

1992/93

Manchester United

41

9

1993/94

Manchester United

38

13

1994/95

Manchester United

29

1

1995/96

Manchester United

33

11

1996/97

Manchester United

26

3

1997/98

Manchester United

29

8

1998/99

Manchester United

24

3

1999/00

Manchester United

30

6

2000/01

Manchester United

31

5

2001/02

Manchester United

25

7

2002/03

Manchester United

36

8

2003/04

Manchester United

33

7

2004/05

Manchester United

8

0


Statistics refer to league appearances/goals only