Steve Bruce has made a habit of unearthing gems from across the globe and Wigan continue to reap the benefits of the signing of Rodallega back in 2009. Seeking a replacement for Emile Heskey, Bruce took a gamble on a striker yet to play in Europe but boasting an extraordinary goal record in South America. The £4.5million signing was able to make his debut against Liverpool in January when receiving clearance with minutes to spare and only the woodwork denied him a dream start. Instead, he wasn't to score until May and was understandably taking time to settle in Lancashire.

After representing Deportes Quindio, Deportivo Cali, Monterrey and Atlas, it was his form for Necaxa that sparked interest from England. A record of almost a goal every other game was indication of his striking prowess and talks were underway with Wigan some time before he actually signed for the club.

In fact, he spoke with former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla, his idol, before agreeing to the transfer, saying: "Without his advice, I wouldn't have thought for a second about coming here." On arriving in Lancashire, he explained how he felt an affinity for the town because of the locals' hard-working way of life.

One remarkable strike against Aston Villa revealed his natural ability and he has scored at pretty regular intervals this term in a struggling side. As he has made no secret about his desire to play for a bigger club, he will need to improve further if he is to realise this ambition.

In April 2011, Rodallega became Wigan's highest Premier League goalscorer, breaking the previous record held by Henri Camara. And despite ambition to move on to a bigger club, the Colombian cemented his status as a Wigan legend, scoring the goal that secured the Latics' Premier League survival for the 2011/12 season.

After helping Wigan avoid the drop by the skin of their teeth once more in 2012, Rodallega joined Fulham in the summer.

Strengths: At his best, an explosive finisher with real physical presence in attack. Capable of leading the line on his own, he uses his speed to good effect in the channels and is able to create chances out of nothing. Always a handful for defenders and is good in the air.

Weaknesses: His inconsistency is a concern and his head has already been turned by other clubs as he openly claimed last year that Arsenal wanted to sign him.

Career high: Colombians still talk about his exploits as a youngster back in 2005 when he was top scorer in the South American Under-20 Championship with a remarkable 11 goals in nine games. He may have achieved a lot since then but this was a dramatic way of announcing himself to the footballing world.

Career low: A dangerous two-footed lunge at Rafael in the defeat at Manchester United in 2010 was irresponsible to say the least as it left his team down to nine men.

Style: Awkward, powerful and flamboyant, he likes wearing multi-coloured boots and vowed never to wear black ones.

Quotes: "He feels he's going to score in any game. He's very, very arrogant - in the right way - and a great example for all the kids." Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, 2009.

Trivia: He kept a clean sheet when replacing red-carded Robinson Zapeta in Colombia's goal against USA in the 2007 Copa America.