PLAYER PROFILE

Nwankwo Kanu

Position: Forward

Height: 6'5

Weight: 12st 6lbs

Date of Birth: 1976-08-01 Owerri, Nigeria

Nwankwo Kanu

Gary Megson completed a deal to bring former Arsenal star Kanu to West Brom in the summer of 2004. The Nigerian signed a three-year contract.

Nwankwo Kanu came to England when he signed for Arsenal from Inter Milan in February 1999 and in his first appearance, he was surrounded by controversy when he set up Marc Overmars for the "illegal" goal in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Sheffield United. The fuss was soon forgotten however, when Kanu produced some top quality performances, including some magnificent goals; the best of which was probably a cheeky back-heel against Middlesborough which underlined the amazing talent of this individual.

Kanu's appearance for Nigeria at France '98 completed a remarkable comeback for a player whose career was in the balance following a life-threatening heart operation.

2001/02 wasn't a great season for Kanu, goals did not flow and there were rumours that he would quit the club in favour of a new challenge. Part of the reason was Arsenal's impressive roster of strikers, now with five top strikers competing for two places. Kanu has since announced his determination to battle for a place at Highbury.

Regardless of club problems, Kanu was included in the Nigerian World Cup squad, but had a quiet competition.

When he returned he continued to struggle to establish himself in the Arsenal first team, starting just 15 games in the season of 2002/03, but still managed to find the net six times.

In 2003/04, he again found himself on the fringe of the first team as the Gunners romped to an unbeaten title, and in the summer he was released.

His first season with new team West Bromwich Albion was only a moderate success. Although he made 30 appearances, he scored only 3 goals. For such a talented striker, in a team in such desperate need of goals, this is not good enough.

He continued to struggle in the 2005/06 season and, after the Baggies were relegated, moved to Portsmouth in August 2006.

He found his feet at Fratton Park quickly and eventually notched up an impressive 12 goals in 32 starts.