Profile

Although UEFA EURO 2008 is his first major assignment at international level, 25-year-old Daniel Niculae comes into it in fine form. The athletic striker enjoyed a fruitful 2007/08 season in front of goal for a struggling team, AJ Auxerre, in France's Ligue 1 and could prove to be one of the aces up Romania coach Victor Piţurcă's sleeve.

Spent first six years of career with FC Rapid Bucureşti, winning championship in his first campaign as a first-team regular (2002/03).

Rapid's top scorer in 2004/05 with 14 goals (the third highest total in Liga 1), he excelled in the following season's UEFA Cup, scoring eight goals as Rapid reached the quarter-finals, where they lost on the away goals rule to local rivals FC Steaua Bucureşti.

Match-winner in the 2006 Romanian Cup final, his goal in first minute of extra time giving Rapid the trophy at expense of FC Naţional Bucureşti.

Joined Auxerre in summer 2006; added four more goals to his UEFA Cup tally but disappointing league output; improved greatly with eleven goals in 2007/08 – crucial to keeping club in Ligue 1.

First capped in 2003 but only became regular squad member in 2005/06.

Did you know?

Niculae is a big fan of 'house' music.