New Senegal coach Guy Stephan has said he is not worried about working in the shadow of his successful compatriot Bruno Metsu.

The 45-year-old, who was part of the France coaching team at the World Cup, signed a three-year contract with Senegal last week.

Metsu achieved hero status in the country after taking Senegal to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Korea and Japan.

The enigmatic Frenchman also led the Lions to their first ever appearance in the African Nations Cup final earlier this year.

"Bruno achieved incredible things," Stephan told French radio.

"He has been most convivial with me and answered all many questions about the players' potential and all the other ins and outs of African football.

"I have no concerns about taking over from him."

Metsu left the Senegal post after the World Cup campaign to pursue a lucrative coaching offer with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

Stephan is now responsible for guiding Senegal to the 2004 African Nations Cup in Tunisia.

The Lions made a winning start to their qualifying campaign, beating Lesotho 1-0.

But their next match against close rivals Gambia should prove a much sterner test.