A former understudy to Igor Akinfeev at PFC CSKA Moskva, Vladimir Gabulov returned to the club on loan from FC Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011, keeping goal in all six UEFA Champions League group matches and thereby reviving his prospects of being included in Russia's UEFA European Championship squad for the second successive tournament.

• A native of North Ossetia, he joined FC Dinamo Moskva in 2001 but returned home later that year to play for FC Alania Vladikavkaz, where he made 42 top-flight appearances.

• Moved back to the capital in 2004, joining CSKA, but became second choice to Akinfeev, playing no part in the 2005 Russian title win or UEFA Cup triumph; made just one start and two substitute appearances in the club's 2006 league championship success.

• Revived his career in 2007 at FC Kuban Krasnodar − despite the club's relegation − and graduated from the national under-21 side to the senior squad, making his debut in a friendly against Poland on 22 August 2007 in Moscow (2-2).

• Was sent off on his competitive debut for Russia − a UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia − but returned for the final three group matches against England, Israel and Andorra and, after a loan spell at FC Amkar Perm, was selected for the 23-man party at the finals.

• Rejoined Dinamo Moskva after UEFA EURO 2008 and remained there for two and a half years, making his belated debut in UEFA club competition against Celtic FC in Glasgow in a UEFA Champions League qualifier.

• Moved to Anzhi in 2011 but struggled to make his mark and, with Akinfeev injured, was recruited on loan by CSKA, where he shone as the club reached the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.