The Fenerbeche player Colin Kazim-Richards has enjoyed a remarkable rapid rise in his credentials in the last few years. From joining English lower League club Bury to scoring in the Champions League Quarter Final this season, Kazim-Richards is a player on the crest of a wave and his inclusion in the Turkish Euro 2008 squad although a surprise, is another stage in his rising profile.

Kazim Richards was born in London to Turkish-Cypriot mother in 1986. Although slight of frame, he is a pacey tricky forward whose direct forward play makes him difficult to defend against.

His professional career began in humble surroundings, playing for lower league Bury before he secured a transfer to Championship team Brighton in 2005. The nature of his move was remarkable because he was chosen by a Brighton supporter who had won a competition run by Coca Cola to buy a player for their favorite team.

Kazim - Richards spent one season at Brighton scoring six times before securing a transfer to Premier League team Sheffield United. He suffered relegation that season, but his performances caught the attention of Turkey coach Fatih Terim and he made his international debut in 2007 against Brazil.

Subsequently, his rapid rise continued as he secured a transfer to Fenerbache in July last year. Although he struggled to make an impact and spent much of the season on the substitute’s bench, Kazim - Richards returned to prominence with a superb strike in the Champions League Quarter Final match against Chelsea. Although Fenerbache were unable to hold on to the lead, the goal represented the finest moment in Kazim-Richards short career to date.

Kazim-Richards’ inclusion in the Turkey squad for Euro 2008 is a bit of a surprise, but his wildcard status makes him an interesting player to look out for. He has the potential to make a name for himself this summer.