Leekens returns to Belgian hotseat

Georges Leekens was appointed Belgium coach for the second time on Monday replacing Dick Advocaat, who quit the post last month.

Leekens, 60 and presently coach of Belgian First Division side Courtrai, is set to sign a contract lasting till 2012 according to Belgian federation technical director Philippe Collin with his target to guide Belgium to the Euro 2012 finals.

Leekens, who previously coached Belgium from 1997-99 taking them to the 1998 World Cup finals, was third choice for the post but Eric Gerets was considered to be too expensive and former Belgium goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme was not freed by his club Gent.

Advocaat abruptly quit as Belgian coach in April after just seven months in the post and is widely believed to be set to become Russia coach in succession to Dutch compatriot Guus Hiddink.