Boniek takes over Poland

Boniek won the Eurpean Cup in 1985

Poland have appointed Zbigniew Boniek, one of their most famous players, as the new national team coach.

Boniek scored 24 goals, including a hat-trick against Belgium as Poland claimed third place at the 1982 World Cup, and won 80 international caps.

Polish FA sack Engel

He won the European Cup with Juventus in 1985 and also played for fellow Italian club Roma during a distinguished playing career.

Boniek takes over from Jerzy Engel who has paid the price for the country's disappointing showing at the recent World Cup.

But Boniek's appointment is a gamble as he had poor spells in charge of Lecce and Bari in Italy during the late 1980's.

Boniek has been out of the high-profile coaching arena for some time but has been involved with football in his country in his role as a vice-president of the Polish Football Federation (PZPN).

"Following a meeting on Sunday with two vice-presidents of the Polish Football Federation, I have decided to entrust Zbigniew Boniek with the post of coach of Poland's national team," said federation president Michal Listkiewicz.