Estonia reward coach Rüütli for 'reaching new level'

Estonia coach Tarmo Rüütli has signed a new contract running to the end of 2013 as he prepares to lead the team in next month's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

Rüütli, 57, will now be at the helm until the conclusion of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying. He was put in charge for a second spell in January 2008 following a brief stint between 1999 and 2000.

Rüütli has already overseen Estonia's most successful qualification campaign after coming second to Italy in UEFA EURO 2012 Group C – finishing above Serbia, Slovenia and Northern Ireland. It earned his nation's first play-off for a major tournament, with the first leg in Tallinn on 11 November and the return in Dublin four days later.

"It is very important that we have reached a new level under this coach," said Estonian Football Association (EJL) president Aivar Pohlak. "I would also underline that we are going to enter a third consecutive campaign under the same coach. You can feel Rüütli's influence in our play."

Former midfielder Rüütli has also coached JK Tulevik Viljandi, FC Flora Tallinn and FC Levadia Tallinn, a club he guided to three Estonian titles. "I want to thank all the players, the federation, our fans and everybody who supports the team," he said. "I am happy to continue my work with the national side."