WALES boss Mark Hughes insists under-fire Ryan Giggs is NOT in a slump.
The winger, 30, has been criticised for poor displays during Manchester United’s recent failures.
Hughes yesterday named Giggs in his squad for the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on March 31 — which is just THREE days before United’s FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal.
There will be a question mark over Giggs’ availability. But Hughes said: “I will always stand by Ryan and I have not even seen fit to discuss the last week with him.
“He has lived through these situations before and bounced back and he will do so again.”
Giggs has suffered as United have crashed out of the Champions League and slipped back in the Premiership chase.
And, although he will be heavily involved in the World Cup qualifiers next season, United’s wishes may come first over the Hungary trip.
Hughes added: “As for his availability for Wales, it has never been an issue since I’ve been coach. He’s always been available.”
Cardiff keeper Martyn Margetson, 32, is the shock inclusion.
He won seven Under-21 caps, the last of which was 11 years ago, but gets a call as Nottingham Forest’s Darren Ward is injured.