Former Netherlands midfielder Erwin Koeman has been named as coach of Hungary.

Koeman, 46, will begin work in May and takes over from Peter Varhidi.

He failed to reach the finals of Euro 2008 after joining the set-up in December 2006.

Koeman, the older brother of former Barcelona defender Ronald Koeman - recently sacked as Valencia coach despite winning the Copa del Rey - first managed in the Netherlands with RKC Waalwijk. He then moved to Feyenoord, only to resign in May last year.

"The national team has really good players," said Hungary and Queens Park Rangers star Akos Buzsaky.

"Now that Koeman is the new manager of Hungary, I have confidence that he will put things together.

"I was happy when I heard of his appointment because before, under Peter Varhidi, it was all right - but it will be much better under Koeman.

"I hope we can challenge in our [2010 World Cup] qualifying group."

Hungary will face a tough campaign as they seek to reach the competition in South Africa: they share a group with Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Malta and Albania.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport