Gary Megson was pilloried for spending a club record £8.2 million on Johan Elmander in 2008 as the striker failed to impress at Bolton. A run of 11 months without a Premier League goal told its own story as the Swede struggled to justify his hefty price-tag.

Megson's replacement at Bolton, Owen Coyle, did help to briefly revitalise the forward during the 2010-2011 season, but an overall record of 18 goals from 92 league appearances in England barely spells prolific.

After starting with Holmalund and Orgryte in his homeland, Elmander admits he joined Feyenoord too early, aged 18, as he should have stayed at least another season in Sweden. Still unsure whether he was a midfielder or forward, he did earn a UEFA Cup winner's medal with the Rotterdam club in 2002 but was too inexperienced to hold down a regular spot.

It was only during a loan spell with Djurgarden that he was able to really learn the trade of a number nine but coach Bert van Marwijk was still unable to offer him first-team football so he was farmed out again, to NAC Breda. The lure of working for Michael Laudrup took him to Brondby on a four-year deal and he thrived in a free attacking role.

Elmander really caught the eye in 2004. Angry and disappointed to miss out on Euro 2004, he channelled his energy into the Under-21 Championship and was joint-top scorer, describing the tournament as his "international breakthrough". In 2006, he did make Sweden's World Cup squad and was snapped up by Toulouse after the finals despite interest from English clubs and Rangers. Playing under Elie Baup, he excelled in a young side and was made aware of interest from Barcelona. Ultimately, the Premier League proved to be his next destination and he had always declared a determination to play in England or Spain.

Bolton beat off competition to land their man, even though Megson initially suggested he was too expensive. Elmander found it hard to fill Nicolas Anelka's shoes before hitting form in 2010, and when his contract expired in the summer of 2011 the striker moved to Galatasaray.

Strengths: On joining Bolton, he told the fans he is the sort of player who always fights for 90 minutes and works hard for the team. His strength, allied to the experience of playing in different attacking roles, mean he is a useful forward to have.

Weaknesses: Struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League and looked out of sorts playing for a team whose style probably didn't suit him. Despite the vast improvement under former boss Coyle, his finishing could certainly be sharpened up.

Career high: A remarkable solo goal against Wolves - showing wonderful close control and nimble footwork - which was a graphic illustration of a player brimming with confidence in his own ability.

Career low: Wanderers fans felt he showed a lack of loyalty by rejecting a new deal at The Reebok and running down his contract - even though the club stuck by him during his extended settling-in period.

Style: Stocky, skilful and bustling, a versatile forward.

Quotes: "He's really, really good. I have family from Toulouse on my wife's side and they are just overjoyed about the team and the fact that they are in the Champions League for the first time. Elmander sure has made my family happy." World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane, 2007.

Trivia: Elmander rejected the chance to join Manchester United when leaving Ogryte as a teenager. "If I'd have gone to England, I would have stayed on the bench and I wanted to play," he explains.