Russia close in on Advocaat appointment

RUSSIA, one of the Republic of Ireland’s opponents in the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, are closing in on the appointment of Dick Advocaat as their new manager.

The Dutchman, who has also been working as AZ Alkmaar boss since December, dramatically quit his post as manager of Belgium yesterday and is expected to be named as Guus Hiddink’s successor in the coming days.

The Belgian federation admitted they were stunned by the Dutchman’s resignation which comes barely six months after he stepped into the role.