Skilful left-sided midfielder Petr Jiráček has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past couple of years, winning both domestic trophies in the Czech Republic with FC Viktoria Plzeň, transferring to the German Bundesliga, earning international recognition and scoring the goal that clinched his country's qualification for UEFA EURO 2012.

• Born in Tuchorice in the north-west of the Czech Republic, he kicked off his professional career in the country's second division, spending two seasons with FK Baník Sokolov.

• Moved to Plzeň in 2008 and soon became a fundamental member of Pavel Vrba's progressive team, winning the Czech Cup in his second season (though he was not selected for the final, a 2-1 victory over FK Jablonec).

• Came into his own in the club's brilliant 2010/11 1. Liga title-winning campaign, scoring five goals and setting up many others as Plzeň became national champions for the first time – in the year of their centenary.

• Started all six matches for Plzeň in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League group stage but left the club before their UEFA Europa League campaign, joining VfL Wolfsburg; made a fine start in the Bundesliga, scoring twice on his fourth appearance, a 3-2 home win against SC Freiburg.

• Awarded his first international cap on 3 September 2011 in a crucial UEFA European Championship qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow, he scored his maiden goal to defeat Montenegro 1-0 in the second leg of the play-off, giving the Czech Republic a 3-0 aggregate win.