A powerful no-nonsense centre-back, Nikiforov has been in outstanding form for PSV in recent months.

Dominant in the air, he is also dangerous when going forward for set-pieces and has weighed in with some valuable goals.

He almost joined Rangers early in 2002 but the Scottish club pulled out of a deal when it emerged they would have to pay a fee.

Nikiforov has been involved in all his country's campaigns at major finals over the last few years.

He was in the squad for the 1994 World Cup Finals and Euro 96 - and is still going strong.