Mika-Matti Paatelainen was appointed as Finland's national football team coach Thursday, on a five-year contract.
The Finnish Football Association said the 44-year-old Finn, previously manager of Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock, will replace Stuart Baxter with immediate effect. Baxter's two-year contract ended in November and was not renewed.
Assistant coach Olli Huttunen took over temporarily in November but Finland has managed only one win - over San Marino - in a tough Euro 2012 qualifying group that includes Netherlands and Sweden.
Paatelainen said the position of Finland coach was ''a dream,'' which he had worked hard for. ''It's great to accept such a challenge,'' he said.
Before coaching, Paatelainen had a 20-year career playing for nine different clubs in four countries. He played mostly for Scottish teams Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hibernian, St. Johnstone and St. Mirren.
Paatelainen scored 18 goals in 70 appearances for Finland's national team.
