Republic in safe hands

Rennes's Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech tries to save the ball during the French L1 soccer match against Bordeaux, 22 November 2003 at Chaban-Delmas stadium in Bordeaux. AFP PHOTO DERRICK CEYRAC

The giant Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has given his national side a solid foundation on which to build their Euro 2004 aspirations while at club level, he is one of the most coveted players in the business at his specialised position.

He currently plies his trade in France for Brittany-side Rennes after signing from Sparta Prague in 2002 but has agreed to join free spending English outfit Chelsea from July 2004.

Cech first turned professional in 1998 as a 16-year-old at Czech club Viktoria Plzen before moving to Chmel Blsany one year later for a two-year stint.

Just 27 apppearances in two seasons was enough to convince Sparta Prague, arguably the biggest club in the country, to make Cech their number one 'keeper and the 1.97m custodian set a national record by not conceding a goal for 1,120 minutes in all competitions including domestic, Champions League and Under-21 matches.

Shootout hero

Czech Stepan Vachousek (C) jubilates with his goalie Petr Cech (L) and Jan Polak after the decisive safe in the penalty shots during the final game of the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship France vs Czech Republic 28 May 2002, in Basel. The Czech Republic beat France 3 penalty goals to 1. AFP PHOTO/EPA/KEYSTONE

French soccer player Sidney Govou (R) heads the ball against Czech goalie Petr Cech in the final game of the UEFA European under-21 Football Championships in Basel, 28 May 2002. AFP PHOTO EPA/KEYSTONE/ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE

He was a star at the Under-21 European championships in 2002, helping the Czech side to the title where he was instrumental in the penalty shootout defeat of a talented French side in the final.

Karel Bruckner took over the national coaching job in December, 2001 and immediately made Cech his first choice 'keeper as the Czech Republic set out on an impressive qualifying campaign in Euro 2004 qualifying, that saw them concede just five goals in eight matches.

He agreed a five-year deal with Chelsea securing his financial future and will join the Londoners after Euro 2004 as the prospect of Champions League football comes into view.

For the moment however, it is Euro 2004 that is preparing to take center stage and Cech will play behind a high powered team including such superstars as Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky and Karel Poborsky as the Czech side look to confirm their status as one of Europe's top sides.