The return of Tomasson

Vincent Candela of France (R) appears to take a hit from Jon Dahl Tomasson of Denmark (L), 11 June 2002 at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in Incheon, during first round Group A action between Denmark and France in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. France crashed out of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat by Denmark. AFP PHOTO/PASCAL GUYOT

Danish hitman Jon Dahl Tomasson proved at the 2002 World Cup he can do the business on the very highest level and he is already amongst the very elite in the game when it comes to scoring goals.

His four goals in four games at the tournament in Asia helped propel Denmark into the second round where they were beaten by England and now AC Milan have brought him to the San Siro where he must prove his skills in the challenging Serie A.

Although he has struggled to nail down a starting job in Milan in a crack strike force featuring Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi, he is still crucial to Denmark's Euro 2004 aspirations and scores at a rate of nearly a goal every two games.

His recent rise however is in sharp contrast to a disastrous spell in his career back in the mid-90's when he was nearly considered a washout.

Jon Dahl Tomasson (R) rushes to congratulate hatrick Hero Faustino Asprilla celebrating his third goal as in Newcastle's 3-2 victory over Barcelona, in 17 September European Champion's League match at St James's Park.

Born in Copenhagen, a steady start to his career took him to the Dutch league in 1994 as an 18-year-old where he became one of the top scorers in the country playing for SC Heerenveen.

However, a big money move to the English Premiership and Newcastle in 1997 was a complete disaster and after two miserable years in the north of England, he returned to Holland in an attempt to rejuvenate his career at Feyenoord.

Champions League title

Although he made his international debut in 1997, the goals had dried up at club level and he failed to make the Denmark team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1998.

Danish striker Jon Dahl Tomasson of Feyenoord Rotterdam celebrates his goal against Borussia Dortmund during their UEFA Cup soccer final match at the stadium 'De Kuip' in Rotterdam 08 May 2002.

Dutch Philip Cocu (L) goes for a header against Danish Jon Dahl Tomasson (R) 16 June 2000, during the EURO 2000 soccer championships first round Group D match between Denmark and The Netherlands in Rotterdam. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)

In 1999, he returned to his best form with Feyenoord becoming their top scorer and was also decisive for Denmark scoring six goals in five qualifiers to help his country qualify for Euro 2000.

Although Denmark were disappointing at the tournament in Holland and Belgium, he put the setback behind him helping Feyenoord to the Uefa Cup in 2002.

John Dahl Tomasson (BELOW) of Milan vies with Perugia's Marco di Loreto during a Serie A soccer match in Milan 21 September 2002. Milan won 3-0.

Then came his brilliant World Cup campaign followed by a much publicised move to Milan and although he has made only a handful of first team appearances, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League title in 2003.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen continues to call on the fair-haired striker at national level and his influence played a major part in the successful qualification for Euro 2004.

Despite a series of rumours linking him with a move away from Milan, Tomasson insists he is happy at the San Siro and he capped his build-up towards Euro by adding an Italian title to his credentials in 2004.