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Ryan Giggs has claimed Daniel James was "acting" after he stayed on the ground following a nasty collision during Wales' Euro 2020 qualifier against Croatia on Sunday.

The Manchester United winger was on the floor for several minutes after a heavy challenge from Croatia's Domagoj Vida in the first half of the 1-1 draw in Cardiff .

Despite initially appearing to be knocked unconscious by the incident, James was able to play the remainder of the match after receiving treatment from medics.

Although there were concerns from those watching the game, including former Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason , Wales manager Giggs insisted that the 21-year-old was fine and that he had been cleared to continue.

(Image: EMPICS Sport)

He told Sky Sports : "Dan James went down and stayed down with a bit of acting really, but the medical staff went over and he was compos mentis.

"Then at half-time we did all the (concussion) tests and he was fine."

In his post-match press-conference, Giggs explained further: "He stayed down and was a bit streetwise. He told the doctors 'I'm not moving, I'm just sitting still'.

"Not to get anyone sent off, he was just using his nous."

(Image: Getty Images)

James also played down the incident and told Sky Sports he had not lost consciousness in his first-half collision with Vida.

"There was a few tackles flying in but you always expect it in these games," he said.

"I'm fine. I think he just caught me in the head but I didn't get knocked out fortunately."

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

After falling behind in the first 10 minutes of the match, Gareth Bale scored an equaliser to keep Wales hopes of qualifying from Group E alive.

The Real Madrid forward scored his 33rd goal for his country in the final moments of the first half after Nikola Vlasic put Croatia ahead within the first 10 minutes.

If Slovakia fail to collect more than four points from their final two group games, Wales will be able to secure qualification with wins over Azerbaijan and Hungary.

(Image: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

"We showed character coming back, we didn't panic," Giggs said.

"We showed commitment, but quality as well. I don't get a lot of time with them, but what they showed doesn't surprise me as I see the quality in training.

"We have played two teams, Slovakia and now Croatia, who can hurt you.

"But it's credit to them, we gave them the information and it's a step forward."