Houllier favourite for Wales job

John Toshack was the bookies' favourite for the job but with many of the senior players prepared to call time on their international careers should he get the job, Toshack's prospects have fallen.

Gary Speed is the players' choice but he is still under contract at Bolton, who would demand £750,000 compensation to release him. However, Bolton may be willing to discuss allowing Speed to do the job in a part-time role.

Houllier is the preferred choice of the Football Association of Wales. The FAW are impressed with Houllier's work in setting up youth programmes in France which saw the development of players such as Tierry Henry and Robert Pires.

The FAW may appoint a part-time Welsh coach to work with Houllier such as Ian Rush or Gary Speed.