Profile

Although the majority of players in Turkey's UEFA EURO 2008 squad are home-based, Tolga Zengin is the only one of that contingent who does not belong to one of the big three Istanbul clubs. The 24-year-old goalkeeper plays his football for Black Sea side Trabzonspor, where he has been a steadily growing influence over the past two seasons.

Born in the extreme north-east of Turkey near the border with Georgia.

Joined Trabzonspor in 1998, signing professional terms in 2003; made debut in 2005/06 season, where he was understudy to Brazilian Jefferson Galvão.

Started 18 (of 34) league games in 2006/07 and made European debut in UEFA Cup against APOEL FC of Cyprus.

Regular performer for Turkey at youth levels; received first senior call-up in August 2006 but had to wait until March 2008 before making debut – in friendly against Belarus in Minsk, where he remained on field for 90 minutes in 2-2 draw.

Made 22 league appearances for Trabzonspor in 2007/08, the majority under former national team coach Ersun Yanal who took charge in October.

Did you know?

Tolga was one of four goalkeepers used by Trabzonspor in the 2007/08 Turkish Süper Lig.