Mark Hughes says he has every sympathy with the difficulties faced by departing Wales manager John Toshack. Toshack quit his post as boss this week after enduring a difficult start to Euro 2012 qualifying, ending his six-year tenure in charge of the country.

Hughes - Toshack's predecessor of five years - says he understands the problems faced by occupiers of the hot seat, namely player withdrawals from squads.

"It is a difficult job," Hughes admitted on Sky Sports News.

"It can be really rewarding because you're managing your country and it's a great honour and a privilege.

"But at times it can be really frustrating. You're sometimes trying to work with your hands tied behind your back in terms of resources and availability of players at times.

"I'm sure that was a frustration for John Toshack as it was on many occasions with me."

Hughes, however, did speak of the benefits of managing the country, insisting his time in charge had given him many memories.

And he said he still had an immense feeling of pride having managed his home nation, who he earned 72 caps for as a player, scoring 16 goals.

Hughes added: "When you get positive results - I can think back to a game against Italy at the Millennium Stadium with 75,000 people there - it was one of the best nights in football I've ever been involved in.

"And that includes my playing and my managing career so there were great highs.

"When it's your own country, there's that little bit extra added, I would suggest, because of the fact it's your own country and you're so proud to represent them.

"I'm sure he (Toshack) will be disappointed it hasn't worked out for him but he had quite a long tenure - more than most and in the end it hasn't been as fruitful as he maybe would have liked."