Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been forced to clarify his comments regarding the Welsh Football Association's search for a new manager after facing criticism for airing his views.

The Wales captain expressed his disappointment in the FAW's decision to go ahead with the search for the late Gary Speed's successor without consulting the players.

"Firstly I would like to clarify my point," Ramsey wrote on Twitter. "I used the word disappointed for a reason. We have just lost our manager and leader through a tragedy and not footballing reasons.

"For that reason I would have thought they would have contacted the players to hear what we thought would be the best way forward to continue our recent success on the pitch, in which we have been building for the world cup qualifiers for the last 11 months with a clear view.

"With regards to being badly advised in my comments I am a grown man and captain of my country, to which I care deeply about the future of welsh football. I wasn't advised by anyone and nor would I need to be. I gave an honest answer to a specific question and everything I said was done with my best intentions, hence the fact I am willing to stand behind my beliefs and not leave my comments nameless."

Reports have claimed that former Fulham manager Chris Coleman is expected to be named as Wales's new manager following the shock suicide of Gary Speed.