Lars Lagerback and Sven-Goran Eriksson in at the 2006 World Cup draw in 2005

Ex-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has backed fellow Swede Lars Lagerback to succeed John Toshack as Wales boss.

Lagerback says he has spoken to senior Football Association of Wales officials about the role Brian Flynn took over on a caretaker basis after Toshack quit.

Ian Rush, Lawrie Sanchez, Flynn, Chris Coleman and John Hartson are also contenders for the role Toshack vacated in September.

Eriksson said: "I would recommend him [Lagerback]. He's a very good man."

Toshack stepped down following Wales' opening 1-0 Euro 2012 qualifier defeat by Montenegro and the FAW promoted Flynn from assistant to the temporary role.

However, Wales' poor form continued as they then lost 1-0 to Bulgaria and 4-0 in Switzerland to see their qualification hopes in tatters.

He [Lagerback] knows his football, of course. And he knows international football very, very well Sven-Goran Eriksson

Eriksson says Lagerback's lack of profile in Wales would not be a hindrance, adding: "It's difficult to find someone with more knowledge about international football because he's been in it for so long a time and did so well [with Sweden], so I would recommend him - he's a very good man.

"Everyone who knows international football will know him, that's for sure."

Eriksson also believes Lagerback would adapt his methods to suit the players at his disposal.

"He was the Swedish coach for many, many years and during the last World Cup he had [coached] Nigeria.

"And with Sweden he did very, very well qualifying for almost all the tournaments

"He's very ambitious and a very kind man and he knows his football, of course. And he knows international football very, very well.

"With Sweden, many times he played 4-4-2 like a diamond, but I think he's clever enough to see what kind of players he has and which system he will use."

Lagerback began his international managerial career as Sweden Under-21 boss, before taking charge of Sweden B and then becoming assistant coach of the senior national side.

Initially as joint-coach with Tommy Söderberg, Lagerback managed his national team from 2000 until 2009 and under him Sweden qualified for Euro 2000, 2004 and 2008, plus the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals.

That run of reaching five successive major finals - and his time in charge of Sweden - was halted by failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Lagerback tendered his resignation.

However, Lagerback soon signed a five-month contract to take charge of Nigeria, leading the Super Eagles to the World Cup where they were knocked out in the first round.

Lagerback was reportedly offered an extension despite the early exit in South Africa, but opted not to stay on with Nigeria.

Should he be offered the Wales job and accept, Lagerback would become the country's first non-British manager.

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