TORONTO -- Toronto FC named current Queens Park Rangers and New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen as the club's eighth head coach on January 8.

The 35-year-old, who began his professional career in 1995 with Christchurch United, brings a wealth of playing experience to his new role at Toronto FC from Major League Soccer and the English Premier League and to the international stage with more than 400 appearances.

In 2001, Nelsen was drafted fourth overall in the MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United, where he played a key role in securing the team its fourth championship (2004) and was twice named to the MLS Best XI (2003, 2004).

"I believe his leadership qualities, intelligence, preparation and character will contribute to his success as a coach," said Kevin Payne, Toronto's president and general manager. "I couldn't ask for a better person to lead our club."

In 2005, Nelsen moved to the English Premier League, playing for Blackburn Rovers from 2005 to 2012, posting 195 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals. On February 2, 2012, he joined Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent.

In June 2012, Nelsen signed with Queens Park Rangers. To date, he has made 21 appearances and remains in discussion with the club to determine an official move date to Canada.

Additionally, Nelsen captained New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and, most recently, at the 2012 London Olympics.

Toronto FC has qualified for four consecutive editions of the CONCACAF Champions League, advancing as far as the semifinals last season before falling to eventual runner-up Santos. The Reds open their qualifying campaign for the confederation's annual club tournament on April 24 in the Amway Canadian Championship against the Montreal Impact.