Egil Olsen is to continue as Norway coach until his successor Staale Solbakken takes over in 2012, Norway's football association announced today.

The 67-year-old Olsen, who also led the national team between 1990 and 1998, returned to the helm in January after the resignation of Aage Hareide, who stepped down last December after Norway failed to win a match in 2008.

Olsen will remain in the role until FC Copenhagen's Solbakken takes the reins on a three-year deal from January 1, 2012.

If Norway reach the play-offs for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, Olsen has an option to stay on.

Solbakken will then lead Norway in up until the 2016 European Championship finals, should Norway get there.

"We are convinced that he is the right man to develop the Norwegian national team forward, " said Norway football association president Sondre Kafjord of Solbakken.