WREXHAM coach Joey Jones insists he is only a phone call away from helping unearth the next generation of footballing talent in Wales - even though he has turned down the chance to work alongside new boss John Toshack.

The Racecourse legend was hurt by suggestions he had snubbed his country by not accepting a formal role alongside Brian Flynn and Alan Curtis, who have been appointed to oversee the development of future international stars.

"I was very flattered and honoured when John asked me to come on board but I turned the offer down simply because I do not like flying and I felt if I was not able to give 100% to the job it would not be fair on myself or on Wales," said Jones, who won 72 caps.

"I've always hated flying, which I used to do under duress when I was a player only because my love of being a footballer was more important to me.

"Under those circumstances I believed it would be better if another coach was given the opportunity to do what I'm sure is a great job, working with some very talented people for the benefit of Welsh football."

Jones, who had an 18-month spell as assistant manager of the Wales under-21 team under ex-Racecourse colleague Flynn, said he had always maintained his links with the national coaching structure and would continue to do so.

"I got on well with Mark Hughes, Eddie Niedzwiecki and Mark Bowen when they were in charge and it was the same with Ian Rush and Neville Southall who were running the younger sides," he added..

"People are always ringing me up for an opinion on players and I'm happy to do what I can. That won ' t change, so if John or Brian wants to give me a call - as I hope they will - I'll be there.

"It's been suggested that there was a personality clash between myself and John but nothing could be further from the truth. I think everyone in Wales should get behind him and his new coaching team, who are all good appointments."

Jones not only worked with Flynn for more than 10 years but also saw the work of ex-Liverpool boss Roy Evans at close quarters.

"Tosh will do things his own way, as he has already demonstrated in the choice of his staff," he said..

"Roy is an excellent coach and everyone knows Brian will be meticulous and thorough in his approach to the job. He's the ideal person and he is well known for always giving young players a chance to show what they can do.

"John, whose management credentials are as good as they get, has a similar reputation for getting the best from young players.

"We have got some good kids coming through the system at Wrexham, who have already been involved with the Wales U17 and U19 squads. They have the potential to become good players and work their way through to the senior team but they have to work hard and listen to what they are being told.

"It's up to me and the other coaches here at the club to drum the good habits into them for the benefit of Wrexham. If that also helps them to make their way on the international stage as well, that's a bonus for all concerned."