Oh dear, who would have thought that the way to lift yourself out of a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign would be to appoint a former drug addict who has battled for years with weight problems, tax worries and made numerous outrageous political comments?

Well that is what Argentina have done.

There is one other point to make though; the man in question may just be the greatest footballer who has ever lived - Diego Maradona.

Yes, Argentina have appointed their favourite son as the new manager of their national team.

Amazing really.

Can you imagine George Best managing Northern Ireland before he passed away?

I didn't think so.

There is no doubt Maradona can lift the spirits of his fellow countrymen who find themselves lying in third position in the South American World Cup qualifying group after ten matches - seven points behind surprise leaders Paraguay.

But how can a man with as much baggage as Maradona have a positive long term affect on a national football team?

Can you imagine the post-match celebrations as Maradona strides in to the changing rooms, a bag of cocaine in one hand and 25 burgers in the other?

Officially, Maradona has been appointed 'technical director' of the national team, while 1986 World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo has been made 'general manager'.

One would expect this to mean that Maradona will take a hands on approach at training sessions and during matches while Bilardo is left to answer the telephone and put in the daily McDonalds order.

However, the question on everyone's lips is whether or not one of football's all time greats has what it takes to become a successful coach.

Personally, I think Maradona will last six to 12 months in charge of Argentina before moving on to pastures new.

What actually happens though is anyone's guess!