Premiership New Boys: Ivan Klasnic

The Premiership is full of colourful characters. From Robinho’s thumb-sucking antics at Man City to Harry Redknapp’s wheeling and dealing at Spurs. But Gary Megson looks to have stumbled upon something completely different. Ivan Klasnic is a man on a mission. Having suffered kidney failure only two seasons ago, Klasnic knows better than most how lucky he is to be playing again at the highest level. With a place in the 2010 World Cup up for grabs, look for Klasnic to embrace his move to the Wanderers and bang in the goals that re-pay Megson’s gamble.

Age: 29

Club: Bolton Wanderers (signed on a season-long loan from Nantes)

Upside: Experience, Character and Power. The German-born, Croatian international spent 7 seasons with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga notching 49 goals in150 appearances. A scorer and a supplier, the tall, strong Klasnic uses his muscular physique to hold off defenders and spread the play to the wingers. If he can survive the odd elbow to the face, Klasnic’s style could prove well suited to the Reebok Stadium.

Downside: Injuries. In early 2007, Klasnic suffered a kidney failure and spent 10 months out of the game. Upon his return to Bremen, he sued the club for neglecting to diagnose the ailment back in 2002. To make matters worse, controversy overshadowed England’s recent World Cup qualifier with Croatia amidst allegations that Klasnic spat on John Terry in retaliation for the England captain’s attempts to punch the Croatian in the kidneys.

Pedigree: A member of his country’s Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup squads, Klasnic is best remembered for his brave performances during Euro 2008. Highlights include a game-winning goal against Poland in the group stage and his 119^th minute extra-time header against Turkey in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately Turkey’s Semih Senturk struck back with an even later equalizer, sending the game to penalties only for Klasnic and Croatia to crash out of the tournament.

International Career: Klasnic turned down the overtures of Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the birth places of his parents, preferring to play for his adopted country Croatia. 11 goals and 35 appearances later, Klasnic stands amongst the most respected and influential members of the team.