Turkey's finest achievement on the international stage came at the 2002 World Cup when they reached the semi-finals, only to be defeated by eventual champions Brazil.

Their European Championship record contains fewer highlights, and this summer's finals is only the third time Turkey have managed to progress beyond the qualification stage.

Fatih Terim's side started their qualification campaign in blistering style, winning all four of their opening fixtures, including a 4-1 triumph over reigning champions and local foes Greece in Athens.

But a run of just one win from their next six matches left their hopes in the balance, and they needed victories in their final two games to qualify in second behind the Greeks.

Drawn in Group A alongside highly-rated Portugal, the Czech Republic and hosts Switzerland, Terim's men will have their work cut out to progress to the quarter-finals.

Manager - Fatih Terim

Fatih Terim

Fatih Terim is a well-respected figure in world football after his achievements in club and international management and from his time as a player.

Terim captained his country on a number of occasions during his 51-cap international career before turning his hand to management.

He is in his second stint at the helm of Turkey, having previously guided the side to the Euro 96 finals where they lost all three of their group fixtures.

A silverware-laden spell with Galatasary followed, with Terim leading the club to four successive league titles and the Uefa Cup in 2000.

Brief stints in Italy with Fiorentina and AC Milan followed prior to an ill-fated return to Galatasary leading to a brief absence from the game, before the Turkish Football Federation came calling again in summer 2005.

Star man - Hamit Altintop

Hamit Altintop

Hamit Altintop was a mainstay of Fatih Terim's side during the successful Euro 2008 qualification campaign and should be one of the first names on the team-sheet for the finals.

The German-born midfielder is blessed with pace to burn and a powerful shot which has left some of the Bundesliga's finest goalkeepers grasping at thin air.

He joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer in the summer of 2007 after four years and over 100 appearances for Schalke.

Altintop made the right midfield position his own during 11 appearances in qualifying, in which he scored twice and set up three further goals.

He is the elder twin brother to fellow Turkey international Halil Altintop, who failed to make the final cut for Turkey's Euro 2008 squad.

British interest

Emre

Newcastle midfielder Emre may not always have been able to demonstrate his abilities during his time at St James' Park, but he is recognised as a key member of the Turkey squad.

The combative and experienced Emre is expected to be handed the captaincy by coach Fatih Terim and their success this summer could depend on how he performs.

Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli is another Premier League representative who will be on show in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

Tuncay took time to settle into life at the Riverside, but his displays in the latter part of the season proved his class in front of goal.

Another player familiar to fans of English football is Kazim Kazim, better known as Colin Kazim-Richards. The former Bury, Brighton and Sheffield United player is now on the books of Fenerbahce.

Why they'll win

Greece proved in Euro 2004 that the underdogs are more than capable of snatching the silverware. Turkey have a number of talented individuals and experienced hands who, on their day, can prove to be a match for anyone. The experience of veteran coach Fatih Terim could also prove to be a vital factor, and if he can organise his side then they could provide a second successive shock winner in the European Championships.

Why they won't

Turkey lack the consistency required to achieve glory in Austria and Switzerland this summer. Their qualification campaign gave a perfect example of their limitations as they faded badly after a strong start and needed victories in their final two fixtures to scrape through. Fatih Terim is also still to find a settled starting XI and even progress beyond the group stages should be viewed as a success.