Russian minister of sport Vitaly Mutko backs Fabio Capello

Russian minister of sport Vitaly Mutko believes that Fabio Capello is a strong candidate to replace Guus Hiddink as manager of the Russia football team.

The 66-year-old Italian, who resigned from his position as England boss in February, is one of 13 candidates shortlisted for the position.

"I think he would be a good option," said Mutko. "This person knows how to win.

"When we decided [to appoint] Guus Hiddink [in 2006], the first thing we looked at was the coach's ability to win."

England won 28 games during Capello's four-year reign, drawing eight and losing six.