Profile

A potential revelation of UEFA EURO 2008, 21-year-old striker Erwin Hoffer has starred for his country in previous international youth tournaments, notably at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored three goals as Austria unexpectedly finished fourth. The dynamic young front-runner further raised his profile in 2007/08 by winning the Austrian Bundesliga with SK Rapid Wien.

Born in Lower Austria, he started out with the region's flagship club VfB Admira Wacker Mödling, making his Bundesliga debut in May 2005.

A four-goal blitz at the end of the 2005/06 campaign, in which Admira were relegated, prompted transfer to Rapid.

Made senior debut for Austria – as a half-time substitute v Paraguay (0-0) – at end of first season for Rapid, in which he scored four goals.

On target ten times in title-winning 2007/08 campaign; enjoyed particularly strong finish to season, scoring hat-trick in 7-0 win over championship challengers FC Salzburg and one goal in each of last three fixtures.

Made his first start for Austria in final UEFA EURO 2008 warm-up against Malta (5-1).

Did you know?

Hoffer is widely known by the nickname 'Jimmy' – a homage to infamous former American trade unions chief Jimmy Hoffa.