Andy Melville said that he is still “shocked and numb” following the death of Wales teammate Gary Speed.

Oxford United’s first-team coach spent more than 15 years playing for his country alongside Speed, who took his own life on Sunday morning.

Melville says that he clearly recalls the first time that Speed joined up with the Welsh squad in 1990.

The duo between them played 150 times for their country, Melville winning 65 caps and Speed 85.

And Speed’s death came as an almighty shock.

“I know everybody has been saying the same sort of thing, but I was just absolutely shocked and stunned,” Melville said.

“I heard the news and just went cold and numb. I couldn’t believe it.”

Speed’s first appearance for the national side came on May 20, 1990 in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

Melville also played in that match, the duo both coming on as substitutes.

He added: “I can remember the first squad that he was in, at Wrexham “I was then part of the squad with him right the way through, so you are talking 15 years or so, but I have kept in touch since.

“He was just an absolutely top man, and a proper professional. He was the first one onto the training ground every morning.”

Speed soon became established as the Wales captain, but when Melville was due to win his 50th cap, the skipper’s absence from the team through injury meant that Melville was passed the armband for the match against the Czech Republic in 2002.

Melville, who turns 43 today, says that everyone connected with Wales had high hopes for the future following the turnaround in fortunes of late, masterminded by Speed.

“Football-wise, everything seemed so positive,” Melville added.

“As a nation, it seemed there was lots to look forward to.

“I wasn’t off my phone on Sunday talking to all the Wales players – nobody could believe it.

“I wouldn’t pick out one outstanding memory of Gary – it was just an all-round package with him.

“I’m still in shock, it’s just devastating news.”