He is the playmaker and inspires all that happens for Slovenia, with his incisive passing, an ingenious ability to create openings and goal-scoring capacity.

Has never played in his homeland and was playing for Partizan Belgrade when only 16.

Moved on to Croatian side Hadjuk Split before spells with Vitoria Guimaraes and then helped Porto win three successive league titles.

Zahovic was the top scorer in the 1998-99 Champions League but then moved on to joined Greek giants Olympiakos and is set to earn almost £10m over the next four years.

He has only just resumed playing for them after going on strike during the winter.

His exile will be easily forgive by the fans though as Olympiakos have won every game the Slovenian star has appeared in.

Made his international debut against Cyprus in November 1992 and usually playing in the hole just behind the forwards.

Zahovic has proved to be one of the most lethal finishers in the game and averages almost a goal every two games, including a vital one against Ukraine in the play-offs.

Scored nine in the qualifying matches and looks set to star on the European stage this summer.