Ryan Giggs critical of ‘disappointing’ comments from brain injury charity on Daniel James

Giggs called James ‘streetwise’ for staying on the ground following a head collision during the Euro 2020 qualifier against Croatia last month

Ryan Giggs has criticised brain injury charity Headway for interrogating Wales’s medical department following an apparent concussion incident involving Manchester United winger Daniel James.

Giggs was given a reprimand from Headway last month after calling James ‘streetwise’ for staying on the ground following a head collision during the Euro 2020 qualifier against Croatia.

James appeared to have been knocked out, it looked like he would have to be substituted when a stretcher was sent onto the pitch, but he was able to re-join the action after receiving lengthy treatment from medics.

The Wales boss claimed that James was 'just using his nous' and passed concussion protocols before returning to the pitch in the 1-1 draw in Cardiff leading to concern from Headway who queried if the concussion policy had been followed.

When asked if he regretted this comment, Giggs said: “I don't know about regret, but maybe I could have worded it a little bit differently.

“As a manager I should be used to it, but I was a little bit frustrated that after two good performances I was having to talk about someone who didn't get concussion. I want to talk about football."

Although Giggs said he understands Headway's concern, he felt like the organisation ignored the way the Wales medical department dealt with other players withdrawn from the same game with concussion.

Giggs said: “I was quite surprised that they didn't mention Ethan (Ampadu), who did come off with a head injury. An organisation like that not having faith in our medical department, which is outstanding.

“We brought Joe Allen out of a huge game (the 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland) and Kieffer Moore had five stitches in the game before.

“Nothing gets said about that, the easy target is Dan James because he plays for Man United. It creates headlines.”

The former Manchester United player said the charity had not contacted him or the Football Association of Wales since the Croatia game on October 13.

He said: “It's disappointing because they are questioning an outstanding medical department that are here and dealing with the situation,

“It was just frustrating that in the couple of days after the game we were talking about that rather than two really good football performances.”