CARDIFF (Reuters) -- Wales manager Mark Hughes believes Russia are trying to undermine his preparations for the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff by trying to get Ryan Giggs banned for the clash at the Millennium Stadium today.

The Manchester United winger, a key player in what Hughes dubs "the biggest game in Welsh history", is under UEFA investigation for an alleged elbow incident during the first leg in Moscow on Saturday.

Russia want Giggs banned, claiming that he elbowed defender Vadim Yevseyev in the face midway through the second half of the goalless draw.

The Russian Football Union sent a tape of the incident to UEFA, and Hughes, already without several key players, says the issue has further complicated his plans.

UEFA were due to view the tape later on Tuesday before deciding whether any action should be taken. "We are still waiting on news on (the UEFA investigation)," Hughes told reporters on Tuesday. "It's a concern to us, but it's something we have to deal with."