91Èȱ¬

Norwich and Wales midfielder Andrew Crofts has called on his international team-mates to strive for future success as a tribute to Gary Speed.

Speed had orchestrated a marked improvement in Welsh results during his 11 months as manager, before his death at his home in November.

"Gary put the foundations in," Crofts told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Norfolk.

"And hopefully we can pay that back to him as a tribute. That's what he'd like us to do."

He added: "He was creating something special for the Wales team and it's all down to him."

Crofts, 27, has 22 international caps and featured regularly under Speed, who appeared 85 times for his country as a player.

He acknowledged taking park in the minute's applause in honour of Speed before Norwich's loss at Manchester City on Saturday had been an emotional moment.

"It was very sad because he was a great, great man and a great football person," he said.

"He's got so much respect through the game and rightly so. It's a devastating time and our thoughts are with his family."