Metsu - has lifted Senegal in the rankings. (Allsport)

By Reece Killworth, Sportinglife.com

When Senegal appointed Bruno Metsu as their new coach in October 2000, there was much scratching of heads throughout world football.

Once German Peter Schnittger had gone, it had been expected that the rising stars of African football would opt for another man with experience of football on the continent.

But instead they opted for somebody who had done little in the early stages of his managerial career.

After playing for the likes of Nice and Anderlecht, Metsu had coached French sides Beauvais, Lille and Sedan.

He had then worked with the Guinean national side before Senegal swooped for their man.

Yet for all the doubts, the man with the film star looks has been a major success.

When Metsu took charge Senegal were ranked 85th in the world, below the likes of Haiti, Namibia and Gabon.

After their impressive run to the African Nations Cup final this year, which followed their qualification for the World Cup, Metsu's men are now firmly established in the top 50.

The French coach has brought a new brand of professionalism to the Senegal side - and the results have been impressive, earning him a new two-year contract until 2003.

His methods have earnt him the respect of his players and Metsu has described them as a "big family".

Their togetherness is the key factor in their rise and could yet see them cause a surprise at the World Cup.