Interest in Wales manager job credit to Chris Coleman, says Joe Allen

Wales assistant Osian Roberts (behind Joe Allen) is one of the candidates to become the next Wales manager

Joe Allen says the quality of candidates interested in becoming the next Wales manager is a credit to former boss Chris Coleman.

Coleman's assistant Osian Roberts, plus ex-Wales strikers Craig Bellamy and John Hartson have all expressed their interest in taking over.

The contenders also include ex-Wales midfielder Ryan Giggs and Tony Pulis.

"Now it's a very appealing job and a lot of good names are being mentioned," said Wales and Stoke midfielder Allen.

"The last few years the foundations have been put in place for us - by our standards - to have good success, a lot different to a few years ago maybe when it was quite difficult to get someone into the hot seat.

"So I think everyone is on the edge of their seat to see who it is going to be who takes over the reins."

Coleman left to take over struggling Championship side Sunderland, leading them to a win and two defeats in his first three games in charge so far.

"We all wish him the best of luck at Sunderland and I think if anyone can turn that club around and steer them in the right direction he's the man to do that," added Allen, 27, who has won 40 Wales caps.

"It's sad to see him move on. It hardly ever happens that all the players are disappointed to see a manager move on, that says everything you need to know about the job he's done.

"It was a shock and a huge disappointment, he's done an incredible job and had great success."