A slender right-winger with an electrifying turn of pace, Vladimir Bystrov's career has been pockmarked with injuries but, at 24, time is still very much on his side to make a name for himself in international football. UEFA EURO 2008 offers the perfect opportunity for him to show his talent at this level.

Early promise at FC Zenit St. Petersburg, where he made his Russian Premier-Liga debut at 18, earned him first international cap in March 2004.

Made Russia's UEFA EURO 2004 squad but had just 18 minutes of action as substitute in 2-0 defeat by Portugal.

Joined FC Spartak Moskva midway through 2005 season; runner-up in Russian title race three years running.

UEFA Champions League debut in 2006/07 – played all six matches; in Spartak side that lost on penalties to Celtic FC at third qualifying round stage in 2007/08.

Regular in Guus Hiddink's UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying selection; scored first international goal in 2-0 win away to F.Y.R. Macedonia but missed end of campaign with ligament damage to left knee in September 2007.

Did you know?
Bystrov's first start for Zenit was in the 2002 Russian Cup final.