Roberts rules himself out of Wales running

Osian Roberts spent time as an assistant coach with Premier League side Crystal Palace before joining Como

Osian Roberts has ruled himself out of the running for the Wales managerial role after committing his future to Como.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) bosses are in the early stages of their search for a successor to Rob Page - who left his role as boss after the June friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia.

Former Wales assistant coach and technical director Roberts - who helped guide Como into Serie A last season - was among the names being considered for the vacancy.

However, Roberts has committed his future to Italian outfit Como, adding that he was grateful to be approached by the FAW about the position.

In a statement published on social media, Roberts said: "I would like to thank the Football Association of Wales for expressing an interest in approaching me regarding the role of Wales national team manager.

"As an incredibly passionate and proud Welshman I would love to become manager of Wales one day.

"Currently, however, I am on an incredible journey with Como 1907 having helped lead them to an historical promotion to Serie A.

"I am committed to this wonderful club and our exciting project until at least 2026 and am forever thankful for their support and faith in me."

Roberts, who served as an assistant to former Wales bosses Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs, added: "I wish the Welsh national team every success as it embarks on another exciting chapter, of which I have the most wonderful memories.

"To the Red Wall and all the Welsh fans with whom I have gone through so much, the tears and the joy, I would like to thank you genuinely for the support I have always had from you and especially in recent weeks. Diolch."

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and ex-Wales striker Craig Bellamy are among the names currently being considered to replace Page.

Current France Under-21s boss Henry, a graduate of the FAW's coach education course, would be unavailable until the end of the Olympics in August.

Bellamy was interviewed for the role following Coleman's departure, although the FAW opted to appoint Giggs in January 2018.

The current search, being led by the FAW's technical director Dave Adams, could go on through the summer as Wales prepare to find the right candidate before their Nations League campaign begins against Turkey on 6 September.

The FAW declined to comment on Roberts' statement.