Michal Bilek: Has extended his contract with the Czech Republic

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has extended his contract until next summer, with the option for a further year should his side qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

The 47-year-old took the helm in October 2009 and subsequently guided his side to qualification for Euro 2012.

Bilek, a former Sparta Prague and Real Betis midfielder, has committed his future to the club ahead of next month's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Miroslav Pelta, president of the Football Association of the Czech Republic (CMFS), told UEFA's official website: "The worst thing is to play a waiting game. If you succeed, we want you; if you do not then you can leave. This is wrong. If you trust somebody, you have to tell him. This is a signal of trust towards our coach, the players and the public."

Bilek saw his Czech side beat Israel 2-1 in a friendly on Saturday in preparation for the Euros.

He said: "We've put together a team that has character and may achieve something great, so I was interested in continuing. I'm glad we have agreed a new contract."

The Czechs take on Hungary in their final friendly ahead of the Euros on Friday before getting their Group A campaign underway against Russia a week later.