ROY Hodgson, who has been named as the new United Arab Emirates coach, has revealed he was one of the three candidates to succeed Kevin Keegan as England boss.

The Football Association did not make their three-man shortlist public and gave the job to Sven-Goran Eriksson, who rescued their faltering World Cup qualifying campaign by guiding them to Japan and Korea.

But Hodgson, the former Inter Milan and Blackburn boss who was sacked by Italian Serie A outfit Udinese earlier this season, told the Khaleej Times: "I'm very proud because I was one of three candidates for the job which finally went to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"Football is a world game and there is nothing against English traditions."

Hodgson has been in talks with the UAE Football Association over the past week, announcing yesterday that he had signed a contract, reportedly for two years.

He said: "I have a good chance to do something good for Emirates football and what I expect from the UAEFA is to provide me with all necessary support, facilities and co-operation to accomplish my mission.

"I also expect the players to be disciplined and behave in a professional manner."

Hodgson, who took Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup finals, added: "What matters is that when I return home, the people here should say Hodgson did something good for UAE football and worked honestly and professionally.

"I have no idea about the state of UAE football but I will be here for a week or so to see some matches of the National League and watch the video tapes of the recent matches played by the team.

"One thing I can assure is that I will listen to everyone but, in the end, it will be my decision to select those who deserve to join the national team.

"The selection must be honest and if there is any technical committee to assist the coach, it should be only an advisory body."