Sporting briefs

Lagerback: Former Sweden coach Lars Lagerback praised the level of footballing talent on display in Iceland yesterday after being named as the new man in charge of their national team. The Icelandic FA confirmed the appointment yesterday, with the 63-year-old due to officially take over on January 1.

Beck boost: Hoffenheim captain Andreas Beck has given his club a lift on the eve of their clash with Stuttgart by signing a two-year contract extension. The 24-year-old defender, who joined Hoffenheim from today’s opponents in 2008, will now stay in Sinsheim until 2014.

Petrovic: Serbia’s national squad coach Vladimir Petrovic quit his post in agreement with the country’s football federation yesterday after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2021. “We have not qualified and responsible people as we are, we have analysed the situation and agreed to end my contract,” he said.

Stoichkov: Bulgarian football legend and ex-Barcelona striker Hristo Stoichkov was named an honorary consul to Spain yesterday. The 45-year-old icon will be based in Barcelona, where he lives, and be responsible for the regions of Catalunya and Aragon.

Colucci: Cesena were dealt a blow in their bid to move up the Serie A standings when captain Giuseppe Colucci was diagnosed with a torn meniscus ligament and ordered to stay out of the game for several weeks. The midfielder sprained his knee during a training session, but tests showed it was far worse than previously thought.

LuaLua: Blackpool have signed Lomana Tresor LuaLua on a deal until the end of the season. The 30-year-old former Newcastle striker has been training with Ian Holloway’s men in recent weeks following his exit from Cypriot club Omonia in the summer.

IN England: The Championship – Doncaster vs Leeds 0-3. League Two – Bristol Rovers vs Rotherham 5-2; Burton vs Cheltenham 0-2; Port Vale vs Northampton 3-0.

MFA Division Two: Gudja vs Msida St Joseph 2-0.