Sweden's future in Nilsson's hands

Former Swedish international Torbjörn Nilsson has been named as the new coach of Sweden's Under-21 team.

Qualifying rounds
The 47-year-old Nilsson will take charge of the side for the qualifying rounds of the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) said in a statement.

Greece first
His first match in charge will be a friendly against Greece on 13 February. "I feel honoured to have been asked to perform this task," said Nilsson. "To be involved in the development of the best young footballers in Sweden is going to be incredibly stimulating."

Respected former player
Nilsson is one of Sweden's most respected footballers. He won the UEFA Cup with IFK Göteborg in 1982 and played in the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina. His club career included spells with PSV Eindhoven and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Nilsson has coached four Swedish teams, most recently BK Häcken last year.