Profile

A small, zesty midfielder with a bright future ahead of him, 22-year-old Ümit Korkmaz was named in national team coach Josef Hickersberger's UEFA EURO 2008 squad after starring in SK Rapid Wien's run to the Austrian Bundesliga title. He made his international debut at the end of May in the friendly against Nigeria in Graz (1-1).

Born in Vienna to Turkish parents; holds citizenship for both Austria and Turkey.

Made waves as a youngster with his pace and dribbling skills, earning move to Rapid's amateur team in 2005.

Received first professional contract in spring 2006 while helping amateur side win promotion to eastern Regionalliga.

First Bundesliga start for Rapid came on eve of 21st birthday; soon became crowd favourite for Green and Whites.

Made 32 appearances (including 23 starts) for Peter Pacult's championship-winning side in 2007/08, scoring two goals – both in key victories during the run-in (7-0 v FC Salzburg and 2-1 at LASK Linz).

Did you know?

Korkmaz might have made his international debut a year earlier than he did, but he had to withdraw from the Austria squad for the summer 2007 friendlies against Scotland and Paraguay through injury.