Teplice manager Petr Rada has been selected to replace Karel Bruckner as the new coach of the Czech Republic national side.The 49-year-old, who assisted Bruckner at Euro 2008, takes charge despite a host of big names, including Matthias Sammer and Gerard Houllier, having been linked with the post.

He will lead his new side for the friendly against England at Wembley in August, before his task begins in earnest when the World Cup qualifiers get under way the following month.

Czech Football Federation (CMFS) chiefs named Rada as one of two leading candidates for the post along with former coach Jozef Chovanec back in June after Ivan Hasek turned down the job.

Bruckner's tenure ended after Euro 2008, from which his team were eliminated when Turkey came back back from two goals down to seal their place in the quarter-finals.

Rada will have something of a rebuilding task ahead of him following the retirements of veterans including striker Jan Koller and midfielder Tomas Galasek.

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