Koller keeps feet on ground

Dino: Koller's nickname comes from the Flintstones

Jan Koller is refusing to get carried away with his new star status ahead of Euro 2000.

The giant striker is the recognised spearhead of the Czech Republic side and his goalscoring form is such that he is now seen as the most important member of the squad.

"When Jan gets to the box, he's almost unerring, he's indispensable for us," national team coach Jozef Chovanec said.

I will never forget the times when I was not even on the bench

Jan Koller

The Anderlecht frontman scored 13 goals in 13 international games - a run that elevated him to the level of superstar in his home country.

But Koller, who is nicknamed Dino after the pet dinosaur in the Flintstones cartoon, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Much of his popularity among the Czech public is a result of his laid-back modesty and congenial personality.

Koller has had his share of tough times on the way to the top of football - and he is not fooled by the trappings of the Euro elite.

"I know very well what it's like to be down," he said. "I will never forget the times when I was not even on the bench."

With Koller at front, the Czech Republic have found a striker who is a permanent threat.

"He's a goal machine," said Ladislav Vizek, a former Czechoslovakia player of the year and bronze medalist in Euro 80.