By Chris Simpson BBC Sport Online in Dakar

Guy Stephan has signed a three-year contract with the Senegalese football federation, three months after the country's FA named his as the man to succeed Bruno Metsu.

Speaking after a special ceremony in the Room of Honour at the L�opold Senghor Stadium , Stephan said he was highly flattered to take on the role.

"I am full of pride and joy", Stephan said, stressing that he had enjoyed being part of the French set-up but was looking forward to the new challenge.

"I have visited Senegal three times in recent years and I can confirm that Senegal is the land of teranga, of hospitality", he added.

But he added that despite Senegal's achievements at the World Cup, he wanted the team to be regarded as among the best in Africa.

"There is still work to do," he said.

"Senegal now has a good world ranking, but is not yet up there with countries like Ghana and Nigeria in terms of winning things.

"There are a lot of young players coming to maturity".

Stephan's predecessor, Bruno Metsu, was much criticised in some quarters for being lax on discipline, allowing players to much leeway before key matches.

Stephan said he stood for "serious, but with good humour".

Stephan remains worried about Diop's fitness

"You can't succeed without a strategy, but you want players to be keen to make an effort and for that they must be at ease.

"I know the Senegalese as people who like to smile, who are naturally warm".

Stephan acknowledged that Senegal's next key fixture was the African Cup of Nations qualifier in The Gambia in March.

Stephan acknowledged the Gambia fixture, a local derby guaranteed to whip up strong feelings in Dakar and Banjul, had "a particular context".

While there may be a friendly against Morocco squeezed in beforehand, Stephan warned that time was tight and he remained concerned about injuries to key players like Lamine Diatta and Pape Bouba Diop.

Stephan said he would be meeting with Senegal's overseas-based players soon.