Profile

A versatile forward with a keen eye for goal , Tuncay Sanli has just completed his first season in English Premier League football with Middlesbrough FC. The former Fenerbahçe SK crowd favourite will be one of Turkey's most important players at UEFA EURO 2008.

A star for Turkey at Under-21 level, he won the Silver Ball (behind Thierry Henry) as the second best player at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup in France, where he made his first starts as an international and scored three goals.

Joined Fenerbahçe from Sakaryaspor AS and inspired club to title in 2003/04, scoring 19 goals; further championship wins followed in 2005 and 2007.

Became first Turkish player to score UEFA Champions League hat-trick when he fired all three goals in 3-0 home win over Manchester United FC.

Another hat-trick at the Şükrü Saraçoglu Stadium, for national side, in infamous 2006 FIFA World Cup play-off second leg against Switzerland; Turkey won 4-2 but lost tie on away-goals rule.

Made eleven appearances in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying tournament, scoring three goals; won 50th cap in 1-0 win v Bosnia-Herzegovina that secured qualification.

Left Fenerbahçe for Middlesbrough on free transfer; went 12 league games without goal but recovered form and scored winner v Arsenal FC.

Did you know?

The day before making his senior international debut, Tuncay played for Turkey's U21 side and scored twice.