Profile

A tall, tough defender, Jürgen Patocka has not been a regular in the build-up to UEFA EURO 2008 but warrants his place in the squad thanks to an impressive season with Austrian champions SK Rapid Wien. A late arrival to the professional game, the 30-year-old appears to be improving with age.

Had youth trials with Rapid but spent first years in regional leagues with SC Untersiebenbrunn and Floridsdorfer AC.

Joined second division SC Austria Lustenau in 2001; close to promotion in each of his three seasons there before moving up with transfer to SV Mattersburg in 2004.

Made top-flight debut two weeks before 27th birthday – on 14 July 2004 in 3-1 defeat by SK Sturm Graz – and became regular for Mattersburg, reaching two successive Austrian Cup finals and finishing third in league in 2006/07.

Awarded first international cap in Vienna friendly against Scotland on 30 May 2007.

Rejoined Rapid a decade after departure and became team's defensive linchpin, starting 35 of 36 Bundesliga games as the Green and Whites won their 32nd title.

Did you know?

Patocka's debut in European club competition – for Mattersburg against Wisła Kraków in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup – was only eight minutes old when he had to leave the field injured.