And Davies was one of the senior Welsh players criticised following Wales' disappointing World Cup qualifying defeat to an average Finland side in Cardiff in March last year, a loss that made 2010 World Cup qualification virtually impossible.

BBC: Fulham's Simon Davies calls time on Wales career

Iran was on the verge of being eliminated from qualification for the 2010 World Cup: Ghotbi had three games to save their campaign.

CNN: Exiled Iranian coach aims for historic goal

Davies, who captained Wales in their 2-0 defeat by Germany in April, has lost his last three Wales qualifiers as John Toshack's team failed in their qualification bid for the 2010 World Cup.

BBC: Davies considered quitting Wales