Profile

Alex Manninger has had a stop-start international career since making his debut in August 1999. Now 31, the former Arsenal FC goalkeeper goes into his major tournament debut boosted by two fine seasons in Italy with AC Siena.

High-profile start to career in memorable UEFA Cup display for Grazer AK against FC Internazionale Milano – Austrian side lost on penalties after drawing 1-1 on aggregate.

Joined Arsenal aged 20; first Austrian to play in Premier League.

Deputy to David Seaman; double winner in first season; equalled club record with six straight clean sheets, last of them 1-0 away at Manchester United FC.

Four seasons at Highbury brought 64 appearances in all competitions, including six in UEFA Champions League.

Left for ACF Fiorentina but relegated due to club insolvency; also demoted following season with Torino FC.

Found stability at Siena after spending 2005/06 season back in Austria with FC Salzburg.

Did you know?

Manninger's last competitive outing for Austria before UEFA EURO 2008 was in October 2004, a dramatic FIFA World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast that ended 3-3.