"We just needed to get the balance right," explains Giggs. "Some of those senior players you talk of were still playing well, and regularly at club level.
"But at Man Utd we became accustomed to competition for places and I wanted that with Wales, too. Believe me it does make a difference, even in training where everyone steps up, the standard improves and that invariably spills over into matches.
"Look at someone like Dylan Levitt. He's 19, hasn't even played yet (for United), but we've called him into the squad and he's been fantastic in training. Seeing that standard from someone who hasn't started a game can only have a good effect on everyone else.
"I saw the two sides of this myself as a player. First when that group of us came through together in the '90s. You play without fear, but you also quickly improve because you're suddenly next to senior stars, who can see a pass, guide you in the right direction. The environment is good for everyone."