Branko Strupar

The Croatian-born striker is the only member of the Belgium squad who was employed by a Premiership club in 2001-02. Branko previously played for five seasons with NK Zagreb, his home town club, before moving to RC Genk in 1994. He was named Belgian Footballer of the Year in 1999, and boasts a return of 61 goals in 110 appearances in Belgian league football. Ignored by Croatia, he adopted Belgian nationality to be selected for the Red Devils. His consistent form did attract interest from abroad though, and Derby County boss Jim Smith agreed a £3million fee – equalling the club record – to bring him to Pride Park in December 1999. Although popular with the Rams' supporters, Branko's time in England has been blighted by injury and may restrict his involvement in Japan and South Korea. With other Belgian attacking options severely hit by injury, the absence of his record of a goal in every three internationals would be sorely missed in the Far East.

Branko returned to the city of his birth when he joined Dinamo Zagreb on a two-year contract in October 2003.