The right choice? Ramsey (centre) was selected as captain ahead of James Collins (right)

Wales boss Gary Speed sprang a major shock on Thursday when he asked Ramsey, at just 20 years and 90 days old, to become the new figurehead for football in the Principality.

Ratcliffe, who was capped 59 times by Wales, was mystified as to why Speed had not opted for Aston Villa’s James Collins or Ashley Williams of Swansea.

‘I would have thought that there were better options within the squad,’ said the Everton legend. ‘Someone like Ashley Williams or James Collins. I know all about Aaron’s qualities as a player, but is he a leader?

‘Gary’s obviously had a good look at it. Obviously, Aaron is going to be in the Wales squad for a long time, so the manager is looking to the future. That’s what Gary’s looking at. He’s looking at the next 10 years, not this game.’

Speed said he had left a phone message with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp after Wales were criticised for their part in the hamstring injury that saw Gareth Bale sidelined, maintaining that there had been ‘a misunderstanding’.

The Wales boss also laughed off suggestions Ryan Giggs will fill in for the Spurs winger. ‘I’ve called him up and put him on standby, but he hasn’t brought his boots,’ said Speed before adding: ‘We have prepared as well as we could. This was our real first squad. Hopefully, we will see the benefits.’

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