A newcomer to the Russia squad, Renat Yanbaev was a surprise selection by Guus Hiddink when he announced his party for UEFA EURO 2008. The pacy 24-year-old has impressed over the past year as FC Lokomotiv Moskva's left-back, having previously spent most of his career in a variety of other positions including left midfield, right-wing and right-back.

Born in Krasnodar, he went to Moscow for his footballing education, spending eight years at PFC CSKA Moskva's training academy.

Unable to break into CSKA's first team, he dropped to the second division in search of regular football, playing for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in 2003 and FC Khimki in 2005.

Returned to hometown club FC Kuban Krasnodar in 2006; won promotion to Russian Premier-Liga.

Left for Lokomotiv midway through 2007 season; made debut in UEFA Cup but disappointing exit at group stage.

Called up by Russia for first time in February 2008 for training camp in Turkey.

Did you know?
Yanbaev goes in for unconventional shirt numbers. He wore No77 at Kuban and now sports No55 at Lokomotiv.